New Arrivals

Posted on Sat Aug 2nd, 2025 @ 1:57pm by Lieutenant Commander Steve Ryan & Captain Michael Murphy & Ensign Fiona Flores

1,149 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Children of the Stars
Location: USS Montana Shuttlebay

PRE-CREDITS.



Seated in the passenger seat beside a helmsman, Ensign Fiona Flores watched the USS Montana seemingly enlarge in space as her shuttle approached its docking bay. Internally, she was derisive of Montana’s less-than-stellar appearance. A smug smirk crossed her lips that were coated in maroon lip stick. She was dismissive of the Montana lacking the majesty of one of Starfleet’s more majestic flagship builds, the Montana was utilitarian. The button panels, in addition to the screens, glowed lowly on her firm, tanned skin.

Fiona adjusted her brunette hair bun as a lone strand crossed her face as she looked into the reflective surface of the console, checking her lipstick with a pout. She also took time to perfunctorily inspect her toned cheekbones, and jawline. As they docked, she stood up and moved toward the shuttle’s rear to collect her bags. Fiona slung either bag on her shoulders.

The rear hatch then opened, and she descended, the block heels of her polished black leather knee-high boots echoing trotting noises along the metallic surface of the ramp. Her uniform dress skirt, meanwhile stopped just above her thighs and swayed with each strut as she descended from the shuttle ramp. Looking at the grey floor, Fiona’s eyes trailed to the walls which were stacked with cargo. As she watched, Fiona observed several of Montana’s staff members move about the shuttle bay, where they were shifting cargo, while supervising the day-to-day activities unfolding.

Realising that she had not attached her com badge, Fiona set her bags down and stood side-on as she bent over her luggage. Her boots glistened in the shuttle bay's dim lighting while unzipping her designer leather bag. Fiona had her com badge sitting on top. Her skirt rode up as thigh slightly as she bent forward, emphasising the tone of her slender legs while the leather on her boots accentuated the curves of her calves.

Captain Murphy found himself running late to meet his newest transfer. He was grateful he served on a ship small enough to do so. He had already read her file, which seemed impressive. As he entered the shuttle bay, he mentally prepared himself for yet another prim and proper by the book transfer, probably all nerves meeting her new Captain. As he turned and she came into his view, still going through her bag, he tripped over his own foot. He caught himself, not as gracefully as he would have like, and took a breath before speaking.

“Ensign Flores, I’m Captain Murphy,” he said, extending a hand towards her.

Fiona was standing side-on with her slender physique to the captain. Her bodily line was in full view. Gazing out the corner of her eye as she collected her com badge, she stood while attaching it to her right chest.

Clearing her throat, she answered, "Pardon me, Captain. Just adding the final touches. Ensign Fiona Flores reporting for duty." She stood to attention.

Realising that he was collecting himself, Flores asked, "Is everything ok, Captain?"

Steve joined Murphy coming from the aft section of the vessel. He was trailed by Deborah and they were discussing a few information related to engineering when, once in the shuttle bay, he saw the Captain and the new joiner.

"Welcome onboard" he chimed in "commander Ryan, XO of the Montana" he greeted Fiora while joining Murphy just a step behind him.

Murphy was grateful for the interruption. “At ease, Ensign.” He figured she would now be distracted talking with Ryan and Deb, in case she had noticed his stumble.

Fiona's eyes were locked with Captain Murphy's in that moment, she was also wordless. She then only became aware of his hand, and stepped forward. She took her hand in his and shook it, swallowing as her head tilted to the right while her right foot criss-crossed over her left with both boot toes pointed at him. Murphy didn't notice her feet, as he was getting lost in her dark brown eyes.

Fiona's eyes suddenly flicked over to the Commander, an awkward smile growing on her lips as the Captain's hand was still in hers. Her soft, youthful skin seemingly melted into his.

Ens. Deborah O'Donnel watched the scene from a few steps behind the captain and raised an eyebrow in surprise. She tried to raise the attention of Steve but he disregarded it.

Then, the Commander's voice registered to Fiona. Releasing the Captain's hand, she nodded to the Commander, and Ensign. Clearing her throat, Fiona said, "Thank you., Awaiting orders." Murphy wondered how long they had been shaking hands. He could tell he was blushing, but he hoped it wasn't obvious.

Clasping his hands behind his back, the XO smiled, "just take your time to blend in with the crew. Report to sickbay for your onboarding medical assessment and get a bunk. Once you are done, report to my office for a quick interview so the we will assign you to the daily watch" he suggested.

Fiona collected her bags, a slight blush rising to her cheeks as she listened to the XO. "Yes, Sir." She walked with a subtle sway in her hips as she strutted towards the shuttlebay doors. According to her PADD, Ensign Flores’s quarters were on Deck 5—the very deck on which she had just arrived.

Murphy caught himself staring as she walked away. He shook his head to clear it. He tried not to think about her soft smooth hands as he excused himself from Ryan and O'Donnel and tried to busy himself being another set of eyes on some of the cargo being rearranged.

Turning the corner, Fiona walked down the corridor, her boots making soft, rhythmic thuds against the thinly padded floor. It took about three minutes before Fiona finally found her quarters. The door swished open to reveal her new abode. The moment she stepped inside, the twin doors hissed shut behind her. Fiona set her bags down and couldn’t help but feel that her new home was slightly smaller than her accommodation at the Academy.

The first thing she noticed was her bed, built directly into the wall ahead. Off to the right stood a circular table with three chairs, all positioned in front of a wall-mounted replicator. A simple coffee table and couch sat in the centre of the room, while the bathroom lay off to the left.

Fiona huffed beneath her breath, “I could swear my shuttle transport was roomier.”

Before she could complain further, Fiona’s eyebrows knitted together at the sound of a series of pulsating beats from next door. “It’s ten thirty, give me a break.”

Shaking her head, Fiona proceeded to unpack.

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Capt. Michael Murphy
CO, USS Montana

Lt. Cmdr. Steve Ryan
XO, USS Montana

Ens. Fiona Flores
Operations, USS Montana

 

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