Reporting for duty

Posted on Wed Oct 21st, 2026 @ 1:03am by Captain Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant JG Callie Stone (S.Carey)

Mission: The Next Watch
Location: Ready Room

Having had a talk with Melor, Callie made her way to speak with the Captain. Heading for the Ready Room she paused outside long enough to straighten her clothing before she pressed the chime. She waited until she heard a call to enter, then headed inside. “Lieutenant Callie Stone, reporting for duty Captain.”

"Ah yes lieutenant, have a seat." Toni greeted her. "I was planning to see you today, I have already had the pleasure of meeting your husband."

Callie smiled as she took a seat. “I thought Morgan might beat me to it, I had a couple of departments to check in with.”

"That is true." Toni admitted. "I have read your file, but are you comfortable working for two departments?"

“I’m comfortable working what I know, but I didn’t know I was going to be the head of Science when I got here.” Callie admitted. “I don’t see how I’m supposed to run a department, and commit to my infiltration duties. Archaeology and Anthropology are interests of mine hence why I chose them, I’m no specialist in other areas of the sciences.”

"Oh dear." Toni said. "You are the only officer in the science department, so I kind of assumed you would take command. Hywel has been doing a good job, but he is not an officer, I have tried to make him one but he will just not hear of it."

“I can try Captain, but with my Intel duties as well it may mean more time away from science than actually doing it. I guess it depends on which will need me more when the time arises.” Callie offered with a smile.

"You have talked to Melor?" Toni asked. "He filled you in on how intel is run on this ship?"

“Kind of” Callie nodded. “He said things are done a bit differently here.”

"And did he tell you why?"

“I don’t think he did actually” Callie shook her head. “We did talk about a few other subjects as well though.”

"Well I am afraid I am involved as well." Toni explained. "Over twenty years ago my father and his best friend were betrayed by starfleet intelligence. Amongst other things it led to the death of one of his friends very young children. They have never forgiven Intel for this and kind of set up their own branch. So they usually don't trust anyone they have not vetted near a member of the family."

“Well they can vet me as much as they like.” Callie added. “I’d like a chance to speak my corner though if you could arrange for a meeting?”

"Yes I can, if you really like." It was a good sign that the young woman was open to it. If her father approved of her new staff it would make life a lot easier. If not, she would ignore him of course but it would make someone not feel right.

Callie nodded. “I appreciate that. They can always speak to my husband Morgan if they want more information from another officer. He knows me better than anyone.”

"We'll see. I will contact my father and see what he says."

“Understood” Callie smiled. “In the meantime it’ll give you chance to get to know me. Please feel free to ask whatever questions you like.”

"Well in that case, just tell me a little bit about yourself if you don't mind." Toni said while smiling at the other woman.

“About me? Let’s see…I’m a typical fleet kid. I was born on a starship, grew up between starships and starbases. Decided Starfleet was for me so I applied to the Academy. I met Morgan at the Academy, and this is the first time we’ve ever been assigned together. I’m very much looking forward to actually having a proper family life here.”

"That is a good thing." Toni smiled. "I am a fleet brat myself and I was lucky enough that my parents did not spend much time away from each other when I was little."

“Well now we’re together we eventually want a family, but we’re not rushing into it especially with the war going on right now.” Callie added.

"Nope I would not recommend it right now. But I really hope this war won't last long."

“Likewise.” Callie nodded in agreement. “I understand our Chief Counsellor has twins onboard, that must be a worry for her.”

"It is. But children are a worry in times of war. Even a planet may not be safe." She thought back to Kay's little sister who had died in a bomb attack on their own house.

“That’s very true.” Callie nodded in agreement. “The problem is they wouldn’t be safe anywhere during war time really, what if there was a sneak attack?”

"Indeed. Statistically the risk is higher on a ship, but nowhere is safe in war. That is why I let families decide for themselves if they want to keep their kids with them or not."

Callie nodded in agreement. “That’s good to know for future reference.”

Toni thought that would be well into the future. In her mind this was no time to have kids, with the war raging all around them. "Anything else I can help you with?"

“Not that I can think of right now Captain, unless there’s anything in particular that you need me to do right now?” Callie asked giving Toni a curious look.

"Nope. I am just happy you are settling in well and willing to work with my father. That's all I need to know for now."

“Wonderful” Callie smiled warmly. “In that case I’ll let you get on Captain, I know what paperwork is like.”

"Thank you and please remember that my door is always open for anything."

Callie nodded. “I’ll remember that Captain, thank you.” With that she stood and headed on her way.