Vetting Carissa
Posted on Sat Nov 22, 2025 @ 5:44am by Commodore T'mpest Michaels & Commander Cara Letsul & Lieutenant Commander Curtis Thibideaux & Lieutenant Carissa Holmes
1,270 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Chicken Run
Location: Ready
Timeline: MD 01 Late Afternoon
Carissa had meant to make an appointment to meet up with T'mpest to find out what her status would be, however the past couple of days she had been drawn into some meetings via subspace then her kids had called her. The day had been occupied with helping to gather the animals that had escaped. Now though, things seemed to have become slightly quieted down, Carissa decided to go make an appointment with T'mpest.
She contacted T'mpest's secretary. "Hello, this is Ambassador Carissa Holmes, do you know if the commodore has time available to see me? "
Millie wasn't sure, because of the chaotic events, but there were no appointments. "When are you available?" she replied with professional courtesy. "And would you like to meet with just the commodore, or would you like others to be present as well?" Might as well get all the details.
"I am available now, and also may Commander Letsul, and Commander Thibideaux be present?" Carissa felt it was important to have the rest of the command staff be there.
Millie looked at the schedules and quickly wrote in the appointment, sending an alert to T'mpest, Cara, and Curtis. "Yes. Meet in the commodore's office in fifteen minutes."
Curtis had just taken a bite of what Boyle had served him, when his comm buzzed and a summons texted over his contact. Rolling his eyes as he worked on the food, Curtis took in the vending area. The monk's Volkswagen van turned hot dog cart was parked strategically in one of the day trader spots on the Promenade. A half dozen high-tops with checkerboard tablecloths and matching chromed stools with back rests circled the vendor.
As did, for some reason, a quartet of potted Japanese Snowball Trees whose smell, Boyle told him resembled cotton candy. The day's special, parked in front of him in a cardboard boat was the day’s special: A jalapeno popper dog with cream and cheddar cheese over the deep fried and bacon wrapped beef frank with mustard and spicy onions.
Further, it was set into a soft steamed, potato roll. With a small order of french fries what Curtis was assured was a perfect complement: A grape carbonated beverage over ice. Even though the food was likely going to make him add hours to his daily workout, Curtis was most suspicious of the drink.
It...Well it fizzed.
Chewing through his bite, he had to admit the food was delicious. Messy, but delicious.
Getting a swallow, he acknowledged the message and dug into his food. The monk had a decent line and Curtis decided he'd have to stop back in a few days.
He policed his trash, then waived at Boyle, then headed for the Commodore's office.
The tea had helped Cara to relax and she had concentrated on monitoring the situation as per the reports. Thankfully it looked like things were going better with the animals being contained.
The message from the commodore's secretary gave her pause, as she read it. Okay wonder what this was about. Fifteen minutes later, she headed towards T’mpest’s office. She noticed that Carissa was just arriving at T’mpest’s door as well.
Carissa was wearing her uniform, that of being a diplomat. The uniform crisp and clean. She certainly looked official.
"Hello Ambassador." Cara greeted her.
"Hello, Commander." Carissa replied.
"I take it you are going to have a meeting with the commodore?" Cara being rather curious.
Carissa gave a nod and then the door opened to the commodore's office.
Curtis walked through the double doors to the Commodore's out doors and entered behind the others, moving to one side of the hatch and said, "Good afternoon Commodore, Ambassador, Exec."
"Hello," T'mpest said to the arrivals. "Please, have a seat."
Carissa took a seat, lacing her fingers together to keep her nervousness hidden, she hoped that she will find out some good news.
Cara took her seat next to Carissa, even though the ambassador tried to hide her being nervous, she could tell.
As junior officer, Curtis new his role, "Would anyone care for tea, coffee, or...," he checked the time on his HUD and said, "There might be brandy about."
"I'll take some tea please. Peppermint slightly sweetened." Carissa answered.
"I will have some jasmine tea. Please." Cara responded. She placed her PADD upon the table, to wait and find out just what was going to happen in this meeting.
"That is not your job, but thank you," T'mpest said to Curtis. "As you are taking orders, I will have a Vulcan spice tea. If you want something harder, I believe Millie knows where to find it."
Cara raised her eyes from the PADD she had been perusing over notes, feeling her cheeks warm up. "Yes, thank you very much." Her head it appeared wasn't exactly focused at the moment.
When they all had their drinks, T'mpest addressed Carissa. She would have preferred the woman wait until she was asked, but the half Vulcan understood her impatience. "I received transfer orders a short time ago. You should have them as well." She paused only a moment. "You have been assigned to Deep Space 5 as a Federation Diplomat."
"I do wish to offer my apologies for my impatience." Carissa answered her voice filled with relief.
She heard the beep from her PADD as if it were confirming what T'mpest had said. Opening it up she felt the sting of relieved tears come to her eyes.
"Thank you, Commodore." Carissa's voice soft and humble.
Cara's curiosity had been satisfied, as to why this meeting had been called for. "Welcome to the station, Lieutenant Holmes." she could feel the sense of relief coming from the red-head like a tidal wave, the woman had been filled with anxiousness during the other meeting. A warm kind smile lit up Cara's face.
"As one of your first duties, you should meet the ambassadors stationed here," T'mpest added. "With the peace talks completed, there are no immediate concerns, but it is always good to know the people you will be working with."
"I do agree and I look forward in doing so." Carissa feeling even more relieved by what T'mpest stated. Her kids will be very happy to see that she'll be somewhere she can hopefully be happy.
Cara gave a smile, feeling the warmth and happiness emanating from Carissa. She also had curiosity as to the history of Carissa. There was more to the woman and Cara had only scanned through the service record of the lady. Now though there is the chance to fully delve into Carissa even more. She seemed to be rather interesting.
Curtis had listened and taken notes, deciding his role was mostly to be present. "Lieutenant, as you get your feet situated Strategic Ops and Intel will brief you as needed. But, if something seems lagging, reach out and let me know."
Grateful that Cara and Curtis would be able to help the new diplomat, she turned her attention back to Carissa. "I believe that is all for now. Get settled in and explore the station. We will likely have more for you to do before long."
"Thank you, I will be doing so." a cheerful smile from Carissa, feeling a weight lifting from her shoulders, both from finding out where she will be at, and also relief that T'mpest didn't get after her for Carissa's impatience.
A post by
Commander Cara Letsul
XO
Deep Space 5
Lieutenant Carissa Holmes
Federation Diplomat
Deep Space 5
Lieutenant Commander Curtis Thibideaux
Strategic Operations
Deep Space 5
Commodore T'mpest Michaels
Commander
Deep Space 5
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