Swimming in the ship’s pool felt like a great escape for Captain McCallister. Being alone in the water with his own thoughts and not having to think about what others needed or not having to read a status report was what he needed. McCallister had loved swimming, not only as a child but also during his time at Starfleet Academy. Over the past month, since the Constitution had been stranded in this deep region of the Delta Quadrant, an area his crew had nicknamed the Fabula Stretch, McCallister had found himself picking up some old interests of his, from swimming daily and playing soccer against holograms to performing the piano in the ship’s crew lounge on an almost nightly basis. McCallister was trying to get by.

Captain McCallister was enjoying the solitary swim in the ship’s pool more so today. He seemed lost in thought as he swam back and forth, the water sparkling around him. It was clear that he was finding some peace and relaxation in the activity as he moved smoothly through the water with purposeful strokes. Despite the weight of his responsibilities as the captain of the USS Constitution, McCallister appeared to be at ease in the water, almost as if it were his natural habitat. Having an indoor swimming pool in his parents’ hotel on Earth, McCallister would often swim in it after coming home from school, or he would end up having a water fight with his brothers and other guests. Something that his parents were not always pleased that they did. Not having James, his second oldest brother, close by (especially with that humongous ship of his, the Odyssey) had been hard for the young captain. He had to make decisions without anyone else around to confirm what he was doing was right or wrong. 

Along with all of the physical activity and musical attempts, McCallister had found himself reading the various logs from Voyager during its lonesome seven-year trip through the Delta Quadrant. Besides that, the biographies and memoirs of some of Voyager’s senior staff had helped him sleep at night. Knowing what he thought and felt was normal brought some comfort. 

Coming to the end of another length in the pool, McCallister stopped as he looked up and saw his first officer standing by the side waiting for him. Slowing down and pulling himself up, McCallister smiled at Thaustin as he grabbed a nearby towel and wrapped it around his waist. His entire body was dripping wet. If anything else, the amount of swimming and exercise he had endured in these last four weeks, McCallister hadn’t felt this fit since his academy days. In addition, he couldn’t help but marvel at his reacquired toned and muscular physique when he inadvertently caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He had stood there, amazed as he took in the sight of his well-defined biceps, triceps, and abs, which had become more prominent and sculpted than ever before, thanks to his consistent workout routine. It had been years since he had been this fit. After stepping out of the sonic shower he had taken earlier that morning, which had left him feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead, had he noticed the change. 

Damn, he had thought.

McCallister strolled over to Thaustin, his first officer, with a glint in his eye. “Care to join me for a refreshing swim?” he teased, a sly grin spreading across his face. Grabbing a towel from the nearby pile, McCallister wiped the droplets of sweat from his forehead and ran it through his damp hair. 

The tall Xindi-Primate man looked up at his captain with a broad smile, clearly tempted by the invitation, but shook his head. Thaustin stood there with his hands clasped behind his back. In the last few weeks, McCallister had noticed that his first officer’s curly blonde locks had gotten brighter in colour. He was sure Thaustin had dyed highlights in them but didn’t know why. This change had made Thaustin’s deep blue eyes even more blue than before.

“Thanks for the offer, sir, but I’m still aching from our tennis match,” Thaustin replied before passing a PADD to the captain. “Some good news: we’ve just approached the pulsar.” 

McCallister quickly made his way towards a nearby lounger and gestured towards Thaustin to join him. Despite his first officer being in uniform, McCallister didn’t want their conversation to be too formal, especially since he was only clad in his swimming trunks. Settling down comfortably onto the lounger, he took hold of the device and prepared to engage in a relaxed and comfortable chat with his first officer. “This could be a game changer for us, Thaustin.”

“Indeed, and I am certain the crew will welcome the change in pace and knowing they could be talking to loved ones soon.” Thaustin agreed.

McCallister knew that Thaustin was hinting at disagreeing with his decision for the Constitution to remain at warp during the past month. Rarely did they stop to engage with anyone else. That said, there hadn’t been many races appearing on their sensor sweeps. For those that did, McCallister wasn’t keen on interacting with them. He had taken the stance they needed to get back. After discovering a cyclic pulsar that could help them amplify their communication efforts with the Odyssey Squadron, the Constitution had sped across this stretch of the Delta Quadrant. “Is T’Penni ready with her new invention?”

Thaustin winced slightly. “She is, but I am still unsure about it, sir.”

McCallister nodded in agreement as he placed the towel around his neck. “I agree, and normally I wouldn’t allow it, but I think it’s worth a shot. If we can link up with the Odyssey, I think it’s worth a shot. If not, then we can at least send datastreams.”

 “Very well,” Thaustin said as he stood up, “If you don’t mind, sir, I’ve got another appointment on Holodeck One to keep.”

Hearing that made McCallister chuckle aloud. “Oh, Thaustin, please don’t tell me that Kamra hasn’t convinced you to be in her play?”

Wincing and nodding, Thaustin confirmed his captain’s question. “I blame Rubon for this one,” He responded. “He told me he and I had no excuse not to engage in something that may cheer a few people up, especially as Belire is volunteering too.”

 McCallister laughed more. “Oh damn, Thaustin, I’m sorry, but Rubon can certainly be convincing when he has his mind set on something.” He giggled a bit more. “What play is it again?”

“Romeo and Juliet,” Thaustin replied.

The captain burst out into more laughter. “Well, I cannot wait to see it! Good luck!”

Thaustin thanked the captain before he left the ship’s swimming pool.

Now alone again, McCallister wondered if he should be involved in the play before quickly dismissing that idea. Captain’s prerogative and all that. Instead, he dropped his towels and dived back into the pool, happier to be in the water once more.