Melly's Second Chance

Posted on Tue Nov 29th, 2022 @ 7:06pm by Crewman Melly
Edited on on Tue Jan 24th, 2023 @ 2:09pm

10,257 words; about a 51 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Tantalus Prison Colony & USS Fearless
Timeline: 2431-03-09, 11:00

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Location: Starfleet One

Jasmine and another lady started to walk outside of Jasmine office. She could see Ryan sitting. He was clearly waiting for her in the lobby. She knew at that moment she needed a yeoman. First though, she needed to get rid of her guest. "Thank you Councilor will pick this up tomorrow. I believe tonight we have made great strides." Jasmine said, in a cold hearted tone.

She was really focused on getting the councilor out of her office. She had enough of playing tough chief of staff. For the moment, she needed to relax. And Captain Walsh was the right man for the job. Without giving the Councilor a chance to respond, she looked over to Ryan. "Captain Walsh, its good to see you. Please this way." Jasmine said, as she motioned for him to enter her office.

“Yes, High Commissioner.” Ryan replied, keeping a serious look on his face. He walked into her office and waited for the doors to close. “Rough day?” He didn’t need to ask but he wanted to give Jasmine an opening if she needed to talk about it.

"You could say that." Jasmine said with a big grin on her face. She had gotten her way, but it was costly one. The president was not very fond of her idea, but supported her call. Now she just needed to tell Ryan. She hoped he would agree. But he might not agree with her call. Time will tell how this unfolds.

“I’m here if you need to talk.” Ryan said even though she knew that. She has a demanding job and he wanted to be here for her.

"I dont think you are going to like the choice I made. If we are being honest." Jasmine just said, in her cold hearted tone. She was a bit nervous. She wanted his support.

“What choice is that.” Ryan was a little nervous and reminded himself that he needed to support her. He was bothered by the tone of her voice. It said there was no discussion on this.

"I have selected a yeoman." Jasmine simply said that she handed the data pad over to Ryan. On the data pad it basically gave all the information regarding her new yeoman. On that data pad was information about Melly.

Jasmine was not sure how much Ryan remembered of Melly. Her trial was covered pretty well in FNS. She expected to get the riot act from him saying that this was a mistake. If she didn't she would wonder why the hell not?

Ryan read it and looked at her for a long moment. “I am surprised at your choice. I would have never guessed you would choose her.” He held up a hand as he continued. “Don’t get me wrong I do have concerns but I also am sympathetic to what happened to her. I always felt she needed someone to give her a chance.”

"she was set up I'm not forgiving her actions, but given the situation I think the situation requires a second chance. There's a cancer in the admiralty and we are going to fix it first with Admiral Coulson now with his Admiral Norith." Jasmine suggested to Ryan as simply part of her reason for accepting Melly. Jasmine knew that he was right to be concerned for the safety but so far Melly had shown no hostile intent towards her.

Ryan listened to her speak. “I agree with fixing the cancer as you said.” He said with a nod. “Let’s try and let justice be served in a less violent manner.”

"I'm not sure what you mean by that." Jasmine said being a little defensive in her tone.

“I mean we need to keep an eye on your new Yeoman.” Ryan explained. “She has proven she reacts violently.”

"We?" Jasmine said, wondering why he thought he got a say in her decision or her safety. His job was to be an advisor to the president not to her, and he was not her personal security consultant either.

“A figure of speech.” Ryan said with an apologetic look. “Of course I meant you. I have a position of my own.”

"I know what I am doing, I am not in any danger from Crewman Melly. She just needs to be given a chance, to prove the rumors about her are false. Someone having a bad temper, is not a valid reason for incarcerating them. While I do not agree with her actions, given the circumstances I can understand why she did what she did." Jasmine told to Ryan. Her Yeoman deserved a chance to redeem herself, despite what Starfleet thought!

“All good points.” Ryan said quietly. “I understand and though I know you do not need it, you have my support.” He still had concerns but this was Jasmine’s position within Starfleet and it was not his right to interfere.

"I am glad to hear it, because I want you to command the Fearless." Jasmine said, as she paused for a moment, then continued on. "I need to spring her out of prison." Jasmine said, as she handed Ryan a data pad. It had the specs for the ship. A Dauntless Class Science Vessel, that had one unique feature. A quantum slip stream drive. As a redundant, it was also equipped with a coaxial cable drive as well.

Ryan looked over the specs and looked at her and grinned. “Of course I will.” He said quickly. Having command of a ship had been a dream of his and even if only for this mission it would fulfill something he had wanted. “I am honored you chose me.”

"Really?" Jasmine said, wondering what he meant by that. His body language was deceiving the words he just said. She wondered, what that was about.

Ryan looked at her. “I have always wanted to be in command of a ship. This will give me a taste of what it is like.” He paused for a moment. “Why me?”

"Selfish reasons, let's leave it at that." Jasmine said, not wanting to put her reasons on public record. She hoped that he got the hint, that she wanted to spend some time with him.

Ryan smiled. “That is good enough for me.” His eyes met hers. “When do we leave?”

Jasmine loved how comfortable she felt around him. She wasn't used to expressing so much emotions that keep your words she just wish her body language emotions as well typically she's more guarded and reserved.

Jasmine new that she should probably follow up with his inquiry to why her, the answer is selfish reasons wasn't really much of a reason. "Are you not wanting command of Fearless?<\em>" Jasmine has a little confused if you heard him say that he did but then he asked why her so made her Wonder.

“I definitely want command.” Ryan replied quickly. “I was curious is all. I am sure most would ask the question if they had waited like I have.”

"You will have to give up that purple uniform of yours." Jasmine pointed out to him. "I think Red will look good on you." She suggested in her cold hearted tone.

“I am willing to.” Ryan smiled. “Red isn’t such a bad color and it’s a plus that you think so.” He recognized that she was using her official tone and probably should have kept his comment the same.

"I'll pack your bags we're leaving right now." Jasmine said as the scene starts to fade away. Jasmine begins to talk about how they're going to get from Starfleet One<\em> over to the USS Fearless.

“I have a to go bag packed all the time.” Ryan informed her. He listened as she spoke, looking forward to getting away for a bit.

Location: Tantalus Prison Colony

Melly had been in Tantalus Prison Colony for six months at this point, but it felt like six years. Despite being a species that could possibly live ninety thousand or more years this was the longest six months of her life.

She was well behaved, responded to treatment and counseling, but still felt she had done right. But in the back of her head she also felt a gnawing voice reminding her that she should do as told and not fight back even if a person in command chose to do what they wanted.

Walking over to her bed she looked over the bare room. A bed, a table, and a replicator. A Mommy as her species would call a device to make food. Her clothing was placed in a small dresser, but she kept everything as bare as allowed. She did not feel privileged enough for comforts. The only one visible was a small stuffed Peregrine starfighter she kept on her bed, a insistence of a counselor.

It was dinner time so she went to the 'Mommy' and whispered, "Nutri-goop. Room temperature. Water. Room temperature."

Collecting the food, she was allowed what she wished within nutrient count but chose to take the most unappetizing to punish herself. Moving to the corner she sat on the floor and began eating.

A set of footsteps started to slowly approach Melly's cell. At first it sound was barely noticeable but as every step drew closer and closer, the sound intensified. Jasmine and the two guards that surrounded her slowly approached towards Melly.

Jasmine did this, so she didn't startle Melly. She had big plans for her and did not want some little formality to obstruct her goal. There was a reason why Jasmine chose her and there was a reason why she was here now.

Jasmine knew how touchy the guards could be when it came to etiquette and protocol and she wanted to make sure that she was given a proper chance. Melly was going to be leaving the cell today and she was going to be assigned to the care of the chief of staff's office. If she did her assignment correctly she would be pardon, if not then she be sent back and probably will not be given another chance anytime soon.

"Inmate, 18-226-ON1. On your feet you have a guest." The guard demanded in a strict and cold-hearted tone. Jasmine just looked at the guy thinking to himself really that was a little dramatic she thought to herself.

She wasn't seeing us from the perspective of a guard talking to an inmate she saw this more of her perspective of the guard was talking to her future yeoman so it was a little rude in her eyes. Jasmine had read over the transcripts she had seen the convictions and she still believed that Melly was the right person for the job.

Melly looked up to the unknown woman and the two guards tensing. She was well aware of what to do in these situations and did not wish a round of punishment. Who the woman was she did not know but for all she knew another doctor maybe? Another Counselor? Placing her food and drink on the floor to the side the small Only stood to her full height. Her small form was three foot eight inches, her ribs could not be seen threw her prison jumper but it was obvious she was small. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled back but her soft gray eyes still had the twinkle of innocent sweetness. The prisoner at most looked seven or eight human years.

Moving to the middle of the room she raised her arms up to be crossed at the wrists over her head as she looked to the floor. She then parted her feet slightly. She did not wish to make eye contact and provoke. Although a model prisoner... one guard in a mood could ruin that.

"My food is down, I am a following the rules. I am not going to move unless allowed.", she said with a voice that did not seem right for this place.

Jasmine thought this was a little insane and inhumane, why were the guards do this? This was not the place or the time to be asking those questions instead Jasmine left over to Melly. She then looked over to the lead guard.

"Is this really necessary?" Jasmine asked in a cold-hearted tone.

"It's for your protection ma'am, we will restrain her and then she'll be allowed to join you in one of the observation rooms." A guard said in a nervous tone. He knew who Jasmine was and it bothered him that the chief of staff to the president was here to visit a very scary individual just because she looked young and did not mean that she was not a scary person well at least in his eyes she was.

"Am I, in any danger?" Jasmine asked if she looked directly to Melly, who still had her hands up. She could take care of herself, if an altercation broke out. She was a well-trained security officer and a former Chief of security aboard the Enterprise and Starfleet One.

Melly knew this woman was important, not likely a doctor by how she seemed to act. But then why, could she be a friend of Admiral Norith? Could she be here to punish her? She tensed a bit but did not wish to act like she was. This could be easily seen as a disobedience and she would be punished.

"I am no threat Ma'am. I will do nothing not matter what You do to me. I learned my lesson with the Admiral.. there is a pecking order and a place for each person. I will do as told. I will not fight. No matter what.", she said in a almost pleading voice.

"Shackle.", the more forceful guard snapped the single word out.

Melly obediently but slowly moved to her parted knees before sitting back on her heels, her hands moving to cross behind her back rather than over her head. Finally, her head lowered forward toward the floor, and she held pose.

The guard walked over and placed restraints around the Only's wrists. The sound of the restraints closing and automatically adjusting to her wrists almost seemed comical at first with how long they took to tighten. With a single hand the man lifted her to her feet but not before lifting her off her feet. With a small chuckle he looked over to the woman who came to visit, "Might be quicker to get to the observation room if I just carried her like this."

Melly did not fight, did not struggle, simply she dangled not wishing to be disobedient.

Jasmine just gave a death glare to the guard over the comment, how freaking rude she thought to herself this is still a person she's more than just an inmate.

The guard noticed her glare and quickly silenced himself. He slowly put one cuff on to one ankle and one on the other he had to slowly adjust them because she was a very small petite woman, more like a little girl but he had to keep telling himself that she was over 200 years old and that she was a lot older than he was and he wasn't going to be caught off guard so he kept his defense off even though he remains silent.

After securing her restraints, he looked over to Jasmine again this time to say in a calm voice. "Inmate 18-226-ON1 is ready to proceed." The guard said is emotion for Melly, to walk out of the cell.

The four of them started to walk down the long corridor with Jasmine just came up, her high heels again started to click against the cold concrete floor. It wasn't the only sound making any noise the shackles were jingling with every step that Melly took. Jasmine hated the fact that they had a shackle her, but she had to follow protocol until Melly was officially released into her care. It did not take them long to head down the long corridor and into an observation room when she was there her ankles and wrist restraints were removed instead in a visible force field was activated keeping Melly on her side of the table while allowing Jasmine a little protection and security. She didn't think it was necessary but this wasn't really the place where time to complain.

Melly was used to the guards and this 'game' as some felt it best to be called. She did not struggle but remained still as the leg shackles adjusted. Once everything was ready she heard her familiar number called out. She missed people saying her name but she was bad, she did wrong, she should have everything taken away. But deep in her mind, past the voice screaming out to be good she still felt the Admiral got what he deserved.

Slowly she walked, her eyes to the floor. A policy was to not look up, if you did you might be able to learn the layout. So eyes down and do not speak. So the sounds of her shackles clicking as she walked was the only sounds besides the boots of everyone else.

Once inside she sat down, her feet dangling a bit from the size of the chair. The shackles were removed which confused her, sometimes they would be but rarely in these cases. The forcefield was up, that was a given but she looked around and saw no guards. This was strange...

Shortly after taking off her shackles the two guards left. Jasmine then turned attention back towards Melly. "You can talk freely in here, the recording devices are purposely turned off. What I have to say is for your ears, and your ears only." Jasmine said knowing that Melly had no reason to believe her.

The words spoken to her caused her to cringe and hunker down in her chair. No recordings, oh no she thought.

"I understand Ma'am, no recordings of what happens. You're a friend of Admiral Norith? If so, you can hit me all you want I will tell the guards I fell. Whatever you want Ma'am..."

The Only's body shook slightly, genuine fear filling her. Despite her age, her psych profile shown that she was an adult but Only minds are odd. She still had all her childlike tendencies just reigned in. Her body betrayed this obviously. She was afraid and tensed for a hit.

Jasmine just grinned for a moment she loved her can do fighting attitude. Jasmine tried to put herself into the eyes of Melly. This could be a trap, and Jasmine knew she needed to earn her trust.

"I'm not friends with this Admiral Norith and what you did on the Spectre has nothing to do with me or why I'm here right now." Jasmine just grinned as looked to the doors and then left back at Melly. "I think I passed your little test wouldn't you say? Do you see any guards coming in after that comment you just made. I don't agree with their tactics but I'm not here to argue there's semantics of how they run the prison. I'm here to talk with you." Jasmine pointed out as she looked to Melly to see if she's going to put her through any more tests.

Part of Jasmine wondered if Melly was going to continue not to trust her and put her through more tests to see if she's being honest. Deep down Jasmine couldn't blame her, she could imagine what it was like to live in a prison cell and how your rights get taken away from you. Jasmine was here for one reason and she was going to say what she came here to say.

Melly was confused, very very confused. She was not putting the woman threw tests? Maybe this was a test of the ladies own? It did not matter however as the woman was not the Admirals friend. She would take her on face value and not argue. After all at this rate her Nutri-goop would be getting warmer in her cell if she continued too long.

"I am.. not testing you Ma'am, there is nothing to pass. I have got sneered at by the Admirals friends before but I am just afraid whenever a new face comes. Will I be hit or will it just be a new doctor?", the Only whimpered placing her hands flat on the table.

She then looked up to the nice Woman, "I.. do not know why you would come see me if not for the Admiral? I stabbed him over and over and over until I could not lift the knife. He survived though. But I still felt justified.. but I know it's wrong and know that I should let anyone high rank then me do anything as that is the rules. I will follow the rules."

She looked up to her, galaxy weary eyes looking the woman in the eyes before lowering them remembering the rules.

"So Ma'am... Your no Doctor... and You're not here to beat me for the Admiral, So why are you here?", she said with a bit of defeat in her voice.

"I am glad to hear that you are not testing me, and clearly I am not testing you. I do have a question for you." Jasmine said as she looked to Melly.

"What gives you the impression I am a doctor or someone working for this Admiral Norith?" Jasmine said in a cold hearted tone. Her demeanor was professional but cold like.

Melly thought for a moment, her eyes lowering to the table again before sighing. Looking back up to the woman, "This is not a tourist spot. Transporter Repeller's and isolation. Usually only doctors, guards, and people who want to hit me. So Ma'am what do you want of me?"

Melly looked up and held still hoping something was not wrong and that she didn't do anything that would get more punishment.

Jasmine just looked to Melly. She could see the confusion and frustration in her eyes. There was sincerity in her eyes, and sadly she did not have a voice. Well not till now.

Jasmine did not know that she was being abused. She looked like a little kid. What sick pervert got off on beating a young looking woman. With her same cold hearted tone, she said in a calm tone. "I want you to work for me. My old chief once told me, he was not sure if he was doing me a favor, but he was giving me an opportunity. I believe I am doing the same for you." Jasmine said, she had a hard time expressing her feelings. She wanted to get Melly out of this hell whole.

Maybe it was a mothering nature in her, that did not see a young-looking girl should be locked up in a cage. There were far cruel ways of making her suffer. Working in the political arena like she did was certainly one of them. Dealing with political dignitaries could be seen as being placed in hell and making her really pay off her penance for trying to murder the Admiral. On the other side of that coin, it would give Jasmine a little more fear factor with the Admirals. They would fear a former Starfleet lieutenant commander, sand hopefully be willing to treat her with respect. And in the same turn, they should treat Melly with a level of respect as well. Jasmine went from a Starfleet officer and now turned High Commissioner and made Chief of Staff to the president.

Melly was floored completely from the revelation the woman gave her. A chance to be free of this place, to not fear beatings from the Admirals friends. Her eyes brightened as her face regained a slight joy. Almost standing on her side she lowered back in her chair not wishing to do anything to startle the Lady.

With a joyful smile she whispered, "Yes please anything I will work for you. I do not know what you do but I was told I would never be allowed to have my commission back. Although I do not deserve to... If I return to Starfleet it would be as a enlisted?"
"What...", She paused a moment to look up with tears beginning to run down her cheeks, "What do you do? And .. "

She paused a moment, "Will any Admirals try to... Well... I stabbed him because he tried to..." Immediately she stopped speaking and visibly clammed up. "Was my fault Ma'am."

"That's a lot of questions. " Jasmine started to say. She could see the desperation in her voice. She decided to double down on her warning. "I am not sure I am doing you a favor, but this is probably the only opportunity you are going to get for a while, with that said. I want you to be my Yeoman. To answer one of your questions, probably the most important one. I am the Chief of Staff to the President." Jasmine said, in a calm voice. Her demeanor had still not changed. Her posture was pristine.

Melly was speechless. She could not find words to answer. After a moment she cleared her throat, "I.. well... I.."

Her mind was a bit swimming and confused. Was this a dream from the medicine? She could not properly fathom. Yeoman though... Yes she thought.

"I would be happy to be your yeoman.. but why? I am a bad person? The records say so... Why me? Yes.. yes please I accept."

"As a yeoman you would have a chance to redeem yourself. " Jasmine pointed out to her. Then she went on to say. She paused for a moment to allow the sincerity of her tone to sink. "I have read your transcripts, while I do not agree with the end result actions. I do believe injustice has been committed. You help me and I will help you." Jasmine said to her.

Melly rises to her feet, her chin raised as her hands rest to her sides standing in attention. "I wish to do whatever I may to redeem myself, I won't stab anyone again no matter what they do to me. I will be the best Yeoman possible. Thank You for this chance and I shall work extra hard. I shall prove myself I swear."

She stays in perfect attention, her face brightening as she looks to Her. "Thank You Ms Chief of Staff. I am in your debt and service."

"I prefer Ma'am over some long winded fancy title." Jasmine said, wishing she could tell Melly to call her Jasmine but that would not be appropriate for a crewman to do. "I am still not convinced I am doing you a favor with this, but this is a good opportunity. Please adhere to my warning. The admiralty will not be pleased you will become my Yeoman." Jasmine pointed out to her.

Melly lowered her eyes a bit toward the table and nodded, "If they are mad or cruel or even try to get touchy like the Admiral I stabbed I will do nothing in retaliation. I will be a good girl. I won't do anything that would bring dishonor to you Ma'am. Thank you for giving me this chance. I shall study up in my cell until you decide the time is best for me to join you. I will make sure I know all protocol for being a Yeoman. I met Yeoman Rand when I was younger. So I shall do my best to prove myself. I will work extra extra hard to make sure no one doesn't like me".

She actually began panting as she had rambled herself to exhaustion.

"Actually you are leaving today." Jasmine said to her. "I have asked the President to arrange it, and since I am allowed to select my own Yeoman I have chosen you. There a cancer cell in the admiralty and together we are going to cut it out. Luckily Admiral Coulson brought this to our attention. People like Admiral Norith will not be allowed to stay in Starfleet." Jasmine said, thinking to herself that he was a monster. Even though Melly was 200+ years old, she looked eight. He was creeping on the line of pedophilia. She did not like that. For the moment she kept that point to herself. She would take down the admiral in due time. First they needed to get their ducks in a row, and get the evidence.

Mellys eyes widened even wider then before and she bounced about on her side of the forcefield giggling all happily. Smiling she placed her hands to the forcefield to give the nice woman a hug but she squealed out a bit as the forcefield buzzed her. Scooting back she placed her hands to her sides again and returned to attention as she tried to suppress her childlike antics.

"My apologies Ma'am.", she whispered trying to not lose composure. "All I have to grab is my stuffed Peregrine fighter.. if allowed of course Ma'am. If not I will understand."

She was eager but she also didn't want to make a bad move and hurt her chances. "Whenever you are ready Ma'am."

The scene fades away with Jasmine going over with Melly what is about to transpire next. They needed to underway as soon as possible.

Location: USS Fearless, Jasmine's Office

The Fearless was now traveling back at warp speed, their next stop was to rendezvous with Starfleet One. Jasmine knew that Starfleet brass on the ship were not going to be happy with her decision. For the moment Melly was wearing a standard golden uniform. with the rank of Crewman on it. "I did the best I could to re establish your rank. For the record, its good to see you in uniform again." Jasmine said, as she gave her a small look. Her tone was still ice cold. This was her attempt at reaching out to her. It was also good to see her out of shackles.

Melly stood attention a few steps away from Jasmine's desk as she kept her hands clasp behind her back. The uniform was snug and more comfortable then her prison outfit. She was happy again to have rank and was content with the crewman rank of Yeoman 3rd Class. She felt properly disciplined by this.

"Thank You Ma'am. I shall work hard to prove your decision to be a proper choice. While the brass may not like me I will give them no reason to speak ill of your choice. I only pray I can get to speak to my old commander Admiral Teagarden to beg his forgiveness."

She was happy, but she kept her face stoic not wishing to allow her joy to show. Despite her happiness she wanted to not act up or do anything that might annoy the Chief of Staff.

Jasmine shuffle through a couple data pads before she finally found the one she was looking for. She noticed Melly standing at the position of attention. "At ease, we have a lot of work to do and you're going to try out your knees doing that. Today is a pretty light day so be perfect for you to catch up. These are my appointments for tomorrow when we should rendezvous with Starfleet One." Jasmine said to her, thinking this was not going to do. Her yeoman needed to be more comfortable.

Jasmine then stood up, she walked over the sofa. "Have a seat here. Until I can get you a small desk this will have to do for now." Jasmine called out. On the data pad there was some information that Jasmine wanted Melly to see." Most of her appointments tomorrow we're with dignitaries, most of them are trying to gain favor with the president and it was up to Jasmine and her to weed them out.

Melly calmed as ordered, her tense shoulders relaxing the moment at ease was called. Her eyes watched her new boss eagerly doing her best to learn any mannerisms that might need to be picked up and discern anything that she could do before being asked.

The light day was a good thing as she was scared she would be subjected to a super busy day one. But it was to be expected, we are not yet at the destination. She moved obediently to the sofa sitting with her hands in her lap looking up to the 'older' woman. Not older in age but definitely in appearance.

"Appointments Ma'am. I will familiarize myself with each and what information is available. Is there particulars you would like me to specifically focus on? Species and culture? Personal background?"

"One name comes to mind, you will see his name appear continuously." Jasmine started to say, hoping that Melly would see the name Captain Ryan Walsh. Melly probably had no idea that this man was her partner in life. This was still shock for Jasmine. She never thought after the situation with John, that she would fall in love again. But here she was. Starting to fall for him.

Melly scanned over the various names in the datapad and went over a number of names. She was unsure who any of these were but she put to memory each name in order to spend the night going through records to familiarize herself. No one stuck out differently than others, but she was still new to this. A number of admirals, dignitaries, a captain or two. But this was all still too new to place two and two together just yet. She would though.

Looking up Melly nodded, "Yes Ma'am. I shall begin memorizing names at once Ma'am. Thank You for allowing me this chance Ma'am."

"I believe you should know, that I am dating Captain Ryan Walsh. It's no secret by any means, but you will see his name appear a little more frequently than some of the admirals or dignitaries will. as a matter of fact, he should be stopping by shortly." Jasmine said, as she looked to her door, waiting for the intercom to go off.

She could not wait to see his face, he was going to be surprised. Probably not in a good way. She did not tell him that she was bringing on Melly as her Yeoman. He only knew that Jasmine was finally listening to Starfleet and accepting a Yeoman.

Melly looked up from the padd and tilted her head before lowering her eyes back to the information and began reading in earnest, being sure to check for mentions of the Captain in the notes given.

"Yes Ma'am", she said keeping her eyes lowered to her work. "I shall when your gentleman comes around... make myself scarce to give you privacy. I have no desire to interrupt your time with him and will stand outside until called back. I am good at standing for hours and it would not bother me at all Ma'am."

She kept her eyes lowered, shouldering slumping ever so slightly as her body showed no resistance while suggesting ways so that she would not be a bother.

Ryan walked towards Jasmine’s office thinking about this first meeting with Jasmine’s new Yeoman. He was relieved that they had already spoken and he had given her his thoughts and concerns.

Ryan respected that Jasmine had chosen Melly to be her Yeoman and her reasoning behind it. He had been a little surprised, most of the time when it came to work she made methodical decisions based on what worked by the rules. Maybe that was what had thrown him at first.

Right now, he was concerned about how to act around Melly. She had been through hell and no doubt did not have a good impression of men.
He hoped that he could gain her trust and show her not all men were like Admiral Norith.

Ryan stopped in front of Jasmine’s door and rang the intercom, waiting for her to answer.

Melly heard the intercom and jumped to a attentive stance a bit wide eyed but more so she was so engrossed in reading. Looking first to Jasmine then to the door she nodded, "I'll get it Ma'am."

Walking over the small girl tugged her uniform shirt so it was straight and smoothed the outfit down perfectly before taking a deep breathe. Reaching up she pressed a key on the wall and the door slid open. Moving to a direct attention with her hands down she raised her chin and lowered her eyes.

"Officer on deck!", she said loudly and then moves to the side before returning to attention.

Looking back to Jasmine she whispered, "I will go outside and stand and give privacy Ma'am. Please message me when you wish me to return." She held still waiting to be dismissed but put the offer out.

Jasmine grinned, and appreciated the attempt to sneak out, to give them some privacy. However, at the moment, that was not the intent of her meeting with Ryan. "No stay, I want the two of you to meet." Jasmine said, in her cold-hearted tone. She meant well but had a hard time verbally expressing her emotions to others.

“High Commissioner.” Ryan spoke in a respectful tone. “You wished to see me?” He walked in but did not take a seat. Ryan followed protocol when it came to their positions and they were both on duty.

"Yes Captain, please have a seat." Jasmine called out, as she motioned for him to take a seat on the chair. She walked over to Melly, and they both took a seat on the sofa. She wanted this to be a little less formal. She could tell that she was a little on edge, but she hoped that would pass soon. "Please." Jasmine said in a softer tone.

Melly watched the gentleman's every motion, ever muscle that relaxed or tensed. She put them to memory as the man walked to the chair to sit. Seeing that he was no threat she did as Jasmine requested and the stoic strong face she had put slightly cracked ever so minorly when she heard please.

A small tear began to well in her left eye but she turned and wiped it before sitting beside Jasmine as the word please sunk in. Not too close but not out of reach either. Her body was still remaining tense but a occasional shiver as she found to keep everything bottled.

"Thank you Ma'am and a pleasure to meet You Captain. Thank you for allowing me on your ship.", Melly whispered softly.

“You are welcome on board.” Ryan replied seriously. “I hope you are finding the ship’s accommodations to be satisfactory. If not, please let me know.” He smiled then. It was hard not to like Melly but he needed to remind himself she had been through a lot.

"A small room, a bed, and a 'Mommy' that can replicate room temperature nutri-goop and room temperature water is all I need Captain.", Melly said lowering her eyes.

She thought a moment then sighed, "My apologies, a Mommy is a word in my species language.. a device that makes food. A replicator." She looked up before lowering her eyes back to the floor to not make eye contact.

"Thank you Captain. The accommodations are more then I deserve, thank You.", Melly said even softer.

“We have replicators and a lunch area.” Ryan replied. “Please take advantage of them.” He struggled with her feeling she did not deserve to eat better but said nothing.

"Please tell me that you are joking?" Jasmine asked, as the thought of thinking about goop was making her nauseous. "Really goop? You are no longer in a cell, order whatever you want." Jasmine said, wondering why Melly was continuing to torture herself. Prison goop was disgusting.

Melly hunkered down in the sofa wishing the comfortable piece of furniture would swallow her whole. Looking up to both she hunkered down a bit more and then whispered.
"Yes Captain, Yes Ma'am, I will eat other things I am sorry."

Melly then looked up to Jasmine, "The Captain likely needs you, no need to distract with me Ma'am."

Ryan watched the interaction between them but said nothing. Melly was Jasmine’s Yeoman and he had no place in expressing how he felt. He looked to Jasmine wondering what Melly had gone through in prison.

Jasmine just stared; her gaze was remnant of a Vulcan stoic look. "We are all going to be spending a lot of time together, so I wanted to make sure that you both met." Jasmine suggested to Melly and then too Ryan. "If I can make a suggestion, accept the change when you see it." Jasmine said, hoping that Melly picked up on her subtle clue. She was practically telling her to roll with the punches, adapt to her surroundings.

Melly looks up to Jasmine then to Captain Ryan. Her tense shoulders slightly untense to show to a trained observer while she is still tightly coiled she has relaxed slightly.

"Yes Ma'am, I get what You mean, adapt. I will do so and I am happy to meet the Captain, He appears a nice and wonderful man that should be lucky to have you Ma'am.", Melly said appearing to calm more.

Turning to look to the Captain but keeping her eyes meekly lowered, "Captain, as a show of trust, may I answer anything?" She looks to Jasmine, "You as well Ma'am. May I answer anything?"

This was her way of accepting to give a olive branch so to speak.

Ryan thought for a long moment. He did not really have a question to ask her or rather one that he felt he should ask. “I want you to know that you are getting this second chance which means that what happened before does not matter to us. You need to give yourself the opportunity to gain from this chance. To do so, I believe you need to let go of all the things that happened to you in prison and even before. Can you do that?” Ryan’s eyes were on Melly. “Can you give me the benefit of the doubt? I am nothing like Admiral Norith or those from the prison.

Ryan looked to Jasmine then, hoping he had not stepped out of line. This was her Yeoman and yet she wanted them to have a friendship which meant he felt he could ask for some honesty.

Jasmine just stared into the eyes of Ryan she was a little surprised that he asked that. She was curious at what point did he feel like Melly wasn't giving him the respect or the chance that he should get? Jasmine believes Melly was being very respectful and testing the waters. She would be testing the waters if she was in her situation, so she understood the dilemma that Melly faced. The question was interacted towards her so she just remained quiet, she was curious to see her really yeoman would respond.

Melly took a deep breath as her small hands gripped the pants of her uniform digging in slightly. She did not snap at him nor make a bad move away from the spot she was in but her entire body tensed then released.

She would put forth whatever face they wanted of her, to adapt accordingly. She could push down her trauma into the pit of her stomach and further if need be. She would adapt. If someone touched her wrong she would not strike out but politely thank them. That's what the Admiral Norith wanted of a model officer? She could do it. There was time for tears in her quarters where no one could see, one would hear.

One drop rolled down her left cheek and dripped to her pants leg before a second. Afterwards she wiped them away and whispered, "I will check the environmental systems Ma'am something is in the air."

Looking to the Captain her eyes a bit puffy but under control she nodded, "Yes Captain everything that happened is in the past and will never be mentioned. I promise. I will be a good girl for Ma'am."

“That is not what I meant.” Ryan said quickly. “I did not mean it that way.” He shook his head. “I am concerned because you seem to believe you don’t deserve anything because of what happened.” Ryan looked straight at her. “I meant that we believe you deserve exactly the same as everyone else. Try not to feel as if you are less because of what happened. I know you can’t forget any of it. I meant you need to find a way to move past it so others see your worth.” He mentally slapped himself. He should have kept his mouth shut.

Jasmine listened to everything that Ryan said, and she knew he was being sincere. She had a sneaky suspicion that he was kicking himself inside, for his choice of words earlier. For the moment though, she needed to focus on Melly. "I believe him, and his sincerity is pure." Jasmine said, in her classic monotone style approach to life. Jasmine hoped this was at least enough to sooth the nerves of her yeoman.

Melly calmed hearing Jasmine's words, almost more her tone then the words. Her tone reminded her of someone from long ago but she would not let that on, but she was comforted.

"Yes Ma'am and Sir. I fully understand and I am very sorry for my misunderstanding. I do understand now, it is just... the wording confused me at first. I thank you both. I will take the opportunity to improve and make everyone as happy as can be. I hope to make all those who won't like me change their minds.. I do hope to get to see my old commander again, Admiral Teagarden... I want to beg his forgiveness.", she was panting again as she did at the prison. Her words coming out so fast without a breath that she winded herself.

Ryan was bothered by how she seemed to feel she had to beg forgiveness and still thought there was a penance she needed to pay. He had tried to help but it had backfired so he wasn’t about to give any further advice on that subject. “I apologize for confusing you.” He hoped that helped her to see he meant it.

"You will get your chance if you truly believe you need to beg for his forgiveness." Jasmine said, thinking to herself, despite the fact she is 270+ years old she still has the mentality of a young girl always seeking validation. She then went on to say. "I want you to remember, that you did not belong in that cage. I am glad Admiral Teagarden means a lot to you. The Admiral is one of my biggest supporters within Starfleet." Jasmine pointed out to Melly.

Melly's eyes widened and her face seemed almost brighter as she listened to Jasmine. A bit of a bounce returned to her and her smile formed but then when she heard about Admiral Teagarden being Jasmine's supporter she let out a soft eeep and then with one motion moved forward giving the woman a big hug and burying her face against Her and soft dampness could possibly be felt as Melly tried to silently cry but apparently was terrible at it.

For a outside uninformed viewer, it almost seemed a touching family moment.

Ryan felt a bit uncomfortable, like he was interrupting a private moment between Jasmine and Melly. He couldn’t just get up and leave it would be awkward and also could make Melly second guess herself she had enough issues with self-worth already. Instead, he sat there and looked around at the office trying not to stare.

Did Ryan now need validation, Jasmine wondered. She wanted to reach out to him, and say while holding his hand. 'There, there, it will be okay.' Jasmine decided for the moment, best not too embarrass him. He was the captain afterall, for the USS Fearless. He had a reputation and a bruise ego to protect.

"I think this is going better than I expected it would go." Jasmine said, in that cold like tone. Almost monotone in approach. There was a hint of emotion coming from her. She really hated the fact, that she struggled to release her emotions.

“It is indeed.” Ryan replied quietly. Melly needed to let her emotions out, perhaps it would make her feel better in the long run over what had happened and she could heal some. “I think that this was good, to have us meet here.”

Melly sobbed, slightly louder but the emotion was getting out then do to a cathartic release taking so much energy out of Melly she was out like a light. Her small form laid where she was hugging but no longer with a grip. Her eyes were closed, all signs of the held tension were gone. It would return, this could not be solved in a single incident. But she has made progress.

As Melly laid motionless, her breath coming out softly in her exhausted slumber she looked even more like a little girl then before. But one who got the first of a lot out of her that she had held down. More would come, but she was even sleeping... visibly better. Then her small form slid off the couch onto the floor. It had been too much too soon.

Jasmine was instantly taken for a loop. What had transpired. She saw Melly collapse to the floor. She quickly reached for her, to hopefully help her from bouncing her head on the floor. "Crewman, can you hear me." Jasmine felt a limp body. This really startled her, but she kept it inside. "Sickbay to High Commissioner Haynes office, on the double. We have a medical emergency." Jasmine called out, as she tapped on her combadge. She was visually looking over Melly, to see what had transpired.

Ryan moved over to them, concern on his face. “What happened!” He wasn’t asking a question but stating that this seemed to come from nowhere. His eyes met Jasmine’s. “Maybe it is just too much at one time.”

"Maybe, I hope the medics get here soon." Jasmine said, panicking inside but her tone was cold and flat. Her eyes said, what her lips could not. She was deeply concerned.

Melly laid still, her breathing seemed fine and her body was finally relaxed. She was not moving but seemed stable enough.

After a minute or more a medical officer rushed in and knelt beside the girl. She seemed around forty and was a Lieutenant Commander in a blue medical division outfit. Her dark hair was pulled back and she felt Melly's pulse before pulling a tricorder out as she looked up, "What happened Sir's? I'll call a pediatric officer to sickbay when we take her down."

The officer continued the scan reading out as the middle-aged woman did her work, "Blood pressure through the roof, stress levels the same, strained muscle tension... she seems stable though. Before I hypospray her to wake her, I need to know what happened?"

The medical officer looked oddly at the child wondering why she was in a Starfleet uniform.

"She collapsed to the floor. One minute we were talking and getting to another one another, the next she is on the floor. I am not sure what happened. Please help her." Jasmine said, in her regular tone. She hated the fact, that she could not express what she was feeling. Damn you Mom, for raising her to keep her emotions in check. Jasmine moved back, so the doctor could assist her patient, without her being in the way.

Ryan stood back and watched as she was treated by the medic. He wasn’t certain if the medic needed to know but he said it anyway. “She is not a child, but a grown woman.” Sometimes looks were deceiving. “Make sure she gets the best of care.”

The medical officer pulled a hypospray and places it to the side of Melly's neck. "Don't worry Ma'am your daughter will be..."

She stopped a moment hearing the Captain, "Oh, my apologies for assuming. Well she will be fine, I will cancel the pediatric officer request." She hit the hypospray button and Melly jerked awake and rubbed her head a bit slowly.

The medical officer looked to Melly, "Apparently some strain and then release caused her to lose consciousness. She will likely have a headache and feel sore but whatever was being held back is better out then remaining inside."

With another different hypospray Melly whimpered slightly. The officer then spoke, "This will help the soreness and headache. If this continues you can come down to the medical bay otherwise I feel you can continue your duties as needed."

The woman packed up her kit and rose, "Anything else Captain? High Commissioner?"

Jasmine was more confused and trying to decipher what had happened when she responded. Almost instinctively she said. "Not for now, thanks for the house call." Jasmine said, feeling guilty about adding to the stress level of Melly. She was triggered back into a flashback with her mother, and some of the mini episodes her mother would have. Typically, a Vulcan would come in to help her refocus her efforts. For the moment though, she needed to pull herself out of the flash back, and check on Melly.

Jasmine watched as the doctor left, then she helped Melly back to her feet. She was very light weight, which she was not anticipating. Jasmine did not want her to stress over the incident that just transpired, she remembered what her mother would ask when this happened to her. "Would you like some chocolate ice cream?" Jasmine asked.

“She has been through hell.” Ryan said quietly. “I know looks can be deceiving but she isn’t hiding the way she sees things and feels.” His eyes met Jasmine’s. “I am afraid I may have added to her stress.”

Melly was easy to pick up, her weight being less than a fully packed wilderness survival backpack. Standing a bit wobbly at first then back to normalcy she looked around and then up to Jasmine with a face full of concern and worry.

"I am sorry was I bad?", she asked still a bit muddled in her mind. "Usually when I wake up on the floor of the prison it was because I was bad.."

She looked around as things began to return to her before she put a hand to her mouth with wide eyes remembering her 'unauthorized' and 'unasked hug'. "Oh no, I hope I didn't violate rules when I... hugged You Ma'am..."

Quickly trying to change the subject to make sure not to get in too much trouble she nodded softly, "Yes Ma'am I would love some but only if you allow. I would not wish to be a bother Ma'am."

Jasmine straightened her blouse, after the hug. She had not anticipated this response from Melly. For the moment though, she wanted to focus on Melly's discomforts and not her own. In her best attempt at humor, she stated in a sterile tone. "Someday you are going to have to explain to me, how chocolate ice cream is a bother to anyone?" Jasmine said, as she kept her composure.

Her mind was still thinking about the hug. It was expected, but yet felt nice. Jasmine really never let anyone touch her, not even Ryan and she was very fond of him. She only allowed him too, when they were being physical. Which had not been a lot, since she was still trying to accept him into her life. They had a nice kiss the other night.

Melly smiled brightly thinking of the hug and then giggled to the nice woman when she made the joke. "Well it could be a bother to people who can't have ice cream?"

She smiled relaxing a bit now, every part of her had untensed but she would regret it in the morning... or regret it when she slept as her mind would try to reset all the spent tension... to make the worry return. But she would accept this change and be happy while the tension was gone. It was so new a feeling to her, she had not felt so relaxed since before... the Admiral.

Looking up to Jasmine as she tried to keep her mind on the task but it kept drifting. "I miss my Mommy hugging me. It's been so long. I remember Yeoman Rand hugging me, I remember Captain Kirk holding me while making one of his Kirk speeches. But the last to even try hugging me was..."

Her mind kept returning to the Admiral so she shook her head and tried to clear away the thoughts. Turning to the Captain, "I do hope the Captain wants some ice cream?"

“Yes.” Ryan replied. “I am partial to salted caramel myself” He said with a smile.

Ryan was surprised at how quickly these two women had bonded and if he was honest he was bothered by how comfortable Jasmine seemed to be with Melly. He wasn’t jealous but they had been seeing each other for a while and the women had met a matter of hours ago. Ryan couldn’t help but wonder why that was. He chose not to think about it anymore.

“So when are we going to get this ice cream.” Ryan said with a smile. “You’ve both got me hungry for some now.”

Jasmine looked to Ryan, and then over to Melly. She too wondered, when they were going to get some ice cream. "No time like the present, isn't that the old earth saying?" Jasmine asked, she was human, but she had barely spent any time on Earth. Only during her academy days. Jasmine wondered what Melly was thinking, at this moment. Hopefully she was thinking of getting a bowl of ice cream.

Melly smiled brightly a small hand reaching up toward the Captain and one hand toward the High Commissioner as if to hold their hands, "Let's go get some Ice Cream." She smiled brightly but froze.

She had forgot her place again and lowered her hands to her side and returns to a slightly less rigid attention than before.

After a moment she cleared her throat, "I would be happy to get ice cream whenever my commanders are ready."

Jasmine appreciated the attempt, even though she did not physically show it. She started to walk over to her replicator. "Two bowls of chocolate ice cream. and one bowl of salted Carmel Ice Cream." Jasmine said, she was a little surprised to learn that Ryan liked salted Carmel. She would not have pegged him as that type. She thought more cookies in cream type of guy.

Jasmine grabbed the bowls, a cold sensation struck her fingertips as she grabbed the first bowl and placed it her forearm, making sure to balance it. As she grabbed the next bowl and placed it on her forearm and partially on her hand. The bowl's cold sensation was alarming. Typically, she never ordered three bowls, so this was a first for her.

Jasmine grabbed the third and final one, as she made sure to hand off the salted Carmel one first, then she handed Melly a bowl of chocolate ice cream. "Have you tried chocolate ice cream before?" Jasmine asked, hoping she said. She was not sure she could handle another outburst of emotions from Melly at the moment. She was prepared, if she needed too.

Ryan listened as Jasmine spoke to Melly. He wondered the answer to that question as well. Picking up his spoon he took a bite of his ice cream and smiled to himself as he thought back to when he was younger. He came from a large family so things like ice cream were considered a special treat.

Melly sat on the floor as she took the treat and whispered her thanks up to Jasmine. Like the first time Jasmine had seen Melly she ate sitting on the floor and brightened at the first bite her eyes wide and happy.

"This is very good Ma'am.. I have never had chocolate ice cream before; I have had vanilla. It's cold like vanilla but a different taste entirely. I think it's the first time I have ever had chocolate at all come to think of it. it's very good.", Melly then smiled and ate happily savoring the taste as she ate slow but nowhere near slow enough to let it melt, just slow enough to enjoy.

She wore her emotions on her sleeve so to speak, not being able to hide this day as she normally does. She was happy and it showed.

"Hard to mess up a good bowl of chocolate ice cream." Jasmine said as she took a look at her bowl, then grabbed her spoon. She took a small scoop from the bowl, she had replicated. The sweet sensation of chocolate hit her lips. The taste was so intense, on the inside she smiled.

 

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