April First

Posted on Sat Apr 2nd, 2011 @ 1:58am by Commodore Samantha York

548 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: The Forests of Mythraeli
Location: CO's Ready Room
Timeline: Current

ON

Samantha sat at her desk reviewing the day's reports. Her mind kept drifting to the communications and sensor malfunctions. Or jams, depending on whom you spoke to. It was a puzzle, and Sam liked puzzles. If she weren't so concerned about the safety of her team it would be a very enjoyable puzzle. But under the circumstances she just wanted it solved and her people home.

Her computer quacked at her peremptorily. She'd set it up to quack when she had a call from Starfleet. Some found it jarring, but she quite enjoyed it -- and their reaction to the unexpected sound. "Computer, answer call."

The Theta Fleet logo appeared on the screen, followed by the face of an Admiral she didn't recognize. "How may I help you?" she asked.

"Admiral Puck, Captain. I'm calling to inform you that effective immediately you ship is to divert to the nearest starbase for a new nomenclature." His tone was slightly abrasive.

Sam sat up straighter in surprise. "Change our name, Admiral? The Calypso's only been in service for a year." She'd never heard of a ship being recalled for a name change.

"I know, but several members of Starfleet Headquarters are upset over the name Calypso. They don't think it's a fitting name for a ship. Something about being a Greek demigoddess who sunk ships and all. Bad precedent for a starship. So, you are to make for the nearest starbase where your ship will be decommissioned the USS Polyphemus."

Sam couldn't believe her ears. "You want us to change our names because some Admiral or other doesn't like who Calypso was? What about the name of Jacques Cousteau's flagship? He was one of the first oceanic explorers. I think that's a more than fitting name for a starship."

"Be that as it may, this isn't up for a vote," the Admiral insisted. "From now on you're the Polyphemus."

This was ridiculous. Sam shook her head. "You want us to rename the ship after one of the Cyclopes? How is that more fitting? Polyphemus was the son of Poseidon. He sank ships, too, Admiral. Besides, they're mythological characters. Myth, sir." She wanted to tell him what she thought of the idea, but she was being polite. However, as soon as she was done with this call she was going to contact Admiral Burke to undo this nonsense.

The Admiral began to chuckle. "What day is it, Captain?"

"Day, sir?" What did the day have to do with anything? She tapped a key on her console. "It's..." April first. Admiral Puck. Puck, the mischievous sprite from A Midsummer Night's Dream. She shook her head and began to chuckle, relaxing back into her chair. "April Fools."

The Admiral began to laugh heartily. "Never take yourself too seriously, Captain," he said just before the connection closed.

She sent a quick note to Ensign Tramira, just in case others wanted to take advantage of the day. Sam wasn't one for practical jokes herself, but she wouldn't put it past some people. ~As long as they don't do any damage,~ she thought as she went back to her report.

OFF

Admiral Puck (NPC)
Theta Fleet

Captain Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

 

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