Meeting the boss

Posted on Sun Oct 18th, 2026 @ 2:33pm by Lieutenant JG Callie Stone (S.Carey) & Lieutenant Commander Melor Pallara (Stoffels)

Mission: The Next Watch
Location: Intel Offices

Now they were onboard the Resolution and Callie was finished in the Science lab, she made her way to the Intel office to meet her new boss. She wasn’t sure just how she was supposed to run a lab and be part of an Intel operation at the same time. Still her Intel duties were the most important.

Melor had just gone through a series of breathing exercises his foster mum had thaught him. She was so far one of the few people he talked to when he was feeling down and he wished that Denise was somewhere close by. Somehow he had trouble opening up to Kay as he still saw her as an annoying younger sibling. And he did not know Sky very well. Maybe Kiara could help, he certainly liked her and he had to admit liked looking at her.

He looked up from his desk when Callie walked in and managed a smile.

“Lieutenant Callie Stone, infiltration officer reporting for duty.” She offered a smile, though her Betazoid senses were picking up disturbed emotions in her new boss.

"Ah yes, come in, come in." He said and came to his feet. "We met already on the shuttle of course. Sorry I was not more talkative then. Even Klingons can get very tired." He gestured for her to have a seat.

“You’re part Klingon? I wouldn’t have realised if you hadn’t had said.” Callie added taking a seat hoping the subject wasn’t a sore point. “I figured you all had a hard time on your last assignment.”

"Half." He admitted. "I thought my last name would give it away.” His grandfather had been pretty famous for a while, even in the federation. And yes I think it was a hard assignment for all of us, undercover work usually is. So what about you, how much experience do you have?"

“I’ve heard of your grandfather” Callie smiled. “As for experience I spent 2 full years as an Infiltration officer then I was shifted to my archaeology and anthropology duties, along with Ops, I’ve helped on an off where it’s been required. Being a Betazoid helps in this line of work.”

"That is a lot of work you are taking on. Are you sure you want to do intel work on this ship?" He asked.

“I most definitely do! It wasn’t my choice to end up as current head of the Science department. I enjoy Archaeology and Anthropology, hence why it’s my other role. Besides with the war effort science kind of takes a back seat.”

'Which it shouldn't." Melor said. "Science is important. But so nobody told you Intel on this ship works just a little differently?"

“It does?” Callie gave Melor a curious look. “In what way?”

"You have not been briefed at all, have you. Well get yourself a drink as you are in for a ride." He waited until she was settled before beginning his story.

Callie sat back sipping her drink waiting for the explanation.

"Basically our marine sector commander here distrusts Intel. And I mean that it is almost a phobia. So he does not want any intel personnel he has not screened near him or his family. I am very surprised you made it here without knowing anything about it."

“I guess I missed that memo.” Callie smiled. “I guess I’m going to have to try to change his mind on that one.”

That really made Melor laugh. "Good luck with that. Nobody has been able to do that in twenty years. Oh and did I mention that our captain is his daughter? Of whom he is very protective?"

“No, but I’ll do my best to stay on her good side.” Callie grinned. “I think I may just have to introduce myself.”

"That would be good. But be honest to her. She will pick up on it if you don't. Toni is not her father. And for transparency sake. I work for the general."

“I’m always honest it’s best to be that way.” Callie answered honestly.

"Good. And it is not unlikely that the general will want to talk to you through vid call. Are you up for that?"

Callie nodded. “I’m up for whatever I have to do Sir.”

"Good. I will let him know and I will never lie to you or the captain about my loyalties. That I can promise you."

“I doubt very much you would Sir” Callie smiled warmly.

"Thank you for the vote of confidence. I think we will be able to work together well. So how much of your time can you devote to Intel?"

“As much as I need to” Callie added. “I know I’m currently more or less running the Science department, which I didn’t expect, but I know I’ll be needed here especially with the war. I’ll speak to the Captain about it.”

"Good. She will help you sort it out." He said with a nod.

“I hope so” Callie smiled. “I’m an Archaeologist and Anthropologist, I’m not a department head. I tend to stick to what I know.”

"That is not what I heard through the grapevine."

“Oh? Just what does the grapevine tell you about me already?” She asked curiously.

"The grapevine "Hywel" has been bragging that he finally isn't a department head anymore. As you are the only officer in science, I would think that would make you head and not a yappy petty officer."

Callie couldn’t help but smile at that comment. “That it does, but that will have to take a backburner when I’m needed for the Intel side of my duties.”

"You would be stretching yourself awfully thin, are you sure you are up to that?" He asked concerned.

“It’s not like I have a lot of choice, if I have to I’ll give up my Sciences role or reduce the hours I do there.” Callie added.

"What do you want to do? What makes you happy? He is going to kill me for saying this but Hywel is a smart boy with a doctorate in science who is perfectly capable of running that department if he needs to. He just has this thing about not wanting to be an officer or take responsibility."

“I think he should stop shirking that responsibility” Callie added. “As for what I want to do, I love both my jobs. Archaeology and Anthropology are hobbies of mine as well as jobs, and Intel puts my senses to good use.”

"He is not an officer so he is well within his rights. It sounds like you want to do the intel work more?" He guessed.

“Maybe” Callie nodded. “But the science gives me a job when there’s nothing else doing.”

" I woun't be afriad there is nothing to do." Melor laughed. "That has not happened to me, and with this war on, Intel is always busy. But I don't mind you working science as well if that makes you happy."

“Let’s just say I’ll be here when I’m needed.” Callie added with a smile.

"Good. I am sure that between us we will be able to work something out."

“I hope so.” Callie smiled warmly. “As you’ll see from my records I’m dedicated to my duties.”

"Yes which is a good thing as long as you don't overwork yourself." Melor admonished.

“Very true, I promise I won’t do that. Besides Morgan would never let me.” Callie smiled.

"Ah, yes. That is one of the good things of having a partner. At least if they are not as bad as you are." He thought of his fosterparents who were both terrible workaholics.

“We’re both workaholics, but this is the first time we’ve been assigned together since we met.” Callie added. “We intend to enjoy finally having a chance to live together.”

"I am glad for the both of you." Melor said honestly. He had seen it both, couples working together and couples torn apart so he really hoped Callie and her husband would be together safely for a long time.

“Thank you Sir” Callie smiled warmly. “We may decide to have a family at some point, but that’s not immediately on our minds.”

"First get used to being back together." He suggested. "It is very different from living alone I have been told."

“It is indeed” Callie nodded. “To be honest I’m enjoying not being alone anymore. It’s nice to have someone to come home to.”

He nodded. But it had been a very long time since he had been in a steady relationship himself. "Anything else I can do for you?"

“No, I don’t think so Sir. I guess there’s just hours to sort out now between the two departments. I’ll try to make sure it’s shared fairly until such time as I’m needed in the field.”

"Good I am sure it will all work out."