The Other MacRae

Posted on Sun Aug 2nd, 2026 @ 11:31pm by Captain Erik Norsgaard & Lieutenant JG Caitlyn MacRae

2,196 words; about a 11 minute read

Mission: Friends and Traitors
Location: Captain's Quarters | Deck 2 | USS Thunderbird
Timeline: MD003 - 2100

All was quiet as James MacRae poured out himself a glass of whisky and took a moment to appreciate the silence. It had been a long day, which began far too early when their youngest son decided to use their bed as a trampoline while singing happy birthday to himself loud enough to wake the dead. A day of celebration for Connor had been a day of non stop work for his parents, ensuring their guests were entertained and had enough food and drink to sustain an invading army.

But now all the guests were gone, the clean up operation was done and the children were all asleep after a day of undeniable over indulgence. Hopefully they would sleep until Tuesday because he sure needed a good night’s sleep.

“Please tell me there is some wine left?” An equally exhausted voice enquired as his wife entered the kitchen. “Even Gizmo has had enough. Don’t worry, I have moved him off the bed.”

He would bet his favourite set of tools on finding the family pet sprawled out on the bed again by the time they went to bed, but rather than say so he poured a glass of red wine for her. “I hid a bottle of your favourite,” he confided in a conspiratorial tone, “although I think your sister was on to me.”

“Probably,” Jenna laughed. “She must have been off her game if she didn’t find it th -“

She stopped abruptly as a familiar and distinctive chime rang out. “Expecting a call?” the curiosity in her voice was evident.

James drained his glass, setting it down. “I should get it, maybe it’s someone from the team.”

His R&D team was a group of talented but in many respects, difficult, people. Queries from all hours of day and night was becoming the norm. It was not until he was in the privacy of the study and saw the details on the comms link that he recalled the somewhat brief message he had sent to Erik yesterday. A hello, long time no see and I have something to ask type message. When he had time of course. Erik was captain of a starship so it was unlikely he had a lot of time on his hands.

But apparently he had time now.

Touching the panel built into his desk he smiled broadly as he completed the connection, the familiar face of Erik Norsgaard appearing. “Erik! Burning the midnight oil?”

"More or less," Erik said. He was sitting on the oversized sofa in his quarters, his shoulder-length blonde hair still damp from his shower, and dressed in loose-fitting pants that tied at the waist, something between pajamas and hang around the house pants, and a white pullover; his large, narrow feet were bare and propped up on the edge of the coffee table. Most of that couldn't be seen by the viewer though he didn't much care, truth be told. "Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. How's everything with the family?"

James couldn’t help himself, a warm smile appearing as he answered. “Oh, absolutely no apologies needed and we are all doing well,” he assured Erik. “Connor actually turned four today, so I am wondering how that happened so fast! And you? How are you finding your new ship?”

"Four. Thinking about the Academy yet?" He grinned cheerfully and then sobered as he answered the more serious question. "Honestly, slow going as most ships are. There was some reluctance to accept the change in leadership but I think they're coming around. To be fair, took me awhile too. The Ready Room is configured differently than the Sitting Bull. The command chair doesn't feel right. That sort of thing. But, like the crew, I've come to accept the change."

“I think my head would be on a platter if I started talking about entrance exams,” James laughed, “but maybe one of them will decide to follow in their old man’s footsteps. As for your new ship… it has big shoes to fill. The Sitting Bull was a big part of your life for a long time. But I’ve never known you not to face up to a challenge… which is good with my sister on your crew.”

"True enough," Erik said, nodding thoughtfully, "I do like a challenge and it looks like the Federation is facing a big one what with the Maquis problem and all."

“A big problem at that,” James agreed. “I don’t envy you being out there in the thick of it. Just make sure you stay safe out there.”

The engineer paused for a moment, glancing around him as if sure someone was lurking. “Erik, I hope you can appreciate my next question is coming to you as an old friend, rather than in any official capacity…. How is Cait? I know, a bit old for playing the protective big brother card but I am doing it anyway.

I think because she had planned to be home, as far as I knew. Until it all changed and she was reassigned to the Thunderbird. Which on the one hand I am happy about - especially because I know you are a damn good CO. But on the other… I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw her in the flesh. At least this time she could openly tell me where she was serving. She is okay, right?”

Which was more than he was going to be, if she ever found out about his query.

"She's fine," Erik answered. "Second Officer and in the process of learning the departments and everything that goes with the job. Why? Don't the two of you speak?"

“You know, my baby sister could talk to you for twenty four hours straight - and in all that time, never really tell you anything,” James offered with a rueful smile. “Once upon a time I couldn’t shut her up or shake her off, she was like my shadow. I do miss those days!”

"There is that," Erik said. "I have noticed that she tends to deflect with humor but I haven't pressed her on it as yet. I don't know if its a trust thing or just a habit she can't break. Time will tell, I suppose."

“I don’t imagine she would be there at all if she didn’t trust you, at least a little,” James assured his friend. “And while I’d have loved her to be home, I actually think this is better for her. Part of a crew, some stability and with you watching her back… she is in safe hands. Although feel free to send any potential dates out an airlock. She is still my baby sister after all, no matter how old we are these days!”

"A career in Starfleet doesn't guarantee safety and as for potential boyfriends, well," Erik grinned, predatory and entirely Viking, "rest assured they'll have a hard time with me.'

“That’s the spirit!” James enthused, laughing. “No mercy. Speaking of, she can never know I said anything about airlocks and boyfriends or she will end me.”

"Hmmm," Erik said, feigning innocence, "not sure how good I'd be at keeping a secret from your sister. Especially one that juicy."

“Three crates of your favourite beer?” He wagered. “Since I’m not there to perform engineering miracles for you. Or I may be able to secure some of the new R&D to send your way…? Name your price, I want to live my friend!”

"I"m going to go with R&D; you know, I don't drink much. Wouldn't do for the Captain to be drunk because guaranteed, that will be the time that we go to red alert." Erik shook his head. "Already been answering an alert in pajamas."

“Bet the crew were talking about that for days,” his friend chuckled. There was unmistakable curiosity as he added, “must have been urgent. Alien invasion?”

"One of the crew needed help," Erik said. "Nice to be someone's first thought to call rather than the last. You'd think that would be drummed into their heads. Tell the Captain. Tell the Captain. But no ..."

“They would probably much rather be seen to be giving you solutions rather than problems,” James suggested with a grin, “at least to their captain. One of the joys of the big chair I guess! Fortunately none of those in R&D, although working with engineers and scientists who all think they are the best has its own unique challenges.”

"I'm familiar," Erik answered, shaking his head, "at least to an extent. Engineers do not like explaining themselves and would much prefer to do whatever comes into their head in the moment."

“Which I could be guilty of,” James conceded with a good natured smile. “Although like a good whiskey I have somewhat matured over the years. Even found a grey hair or two yesterday although I think the boys sudden fascination with jumping out of the treehouse has something to do with that. Boys!"

"But we engineers are good at making things, so I’ll be sure to get some tech to you when you are next at a starbase. I’ve heard good things about your Chief so getting these out in the field and in capable hands is really more you doing me a favour if anything. Although a deal is a deal!”

"Much appreciated, old friend," Erik said, "and I promise not to tell her anything you've said." Privately, he thought she wouldn't be all that upset by her brother's comments but then, you never knew. Certainly, she'd understand that, for a minor conversation, he'd wrangled new tech for the ship. "We'll look for your gift when we are next home. And go easy on the boys, you know we would have done the exact same thing once upon a time."

“True!” James chuckled, shaking his head fondly at the memories. “Speaking of home, if you get time I insist on having you over for dinner. My skills with a barbecue are pretty darn great these days and I’m sure Jenna would like to see you too - sure the last time was at our wedding. I promise that I will make sure she knows zero match making is allowed.”

Erik shook his head though his expression was fond. "Your wife is a lovely person but ... her attempts at fixing me up have been ... awkward ... uncomfortable ... and in a few cases, downright weird."

James grinned, amusement lighting up his eyes, “I can’t believe you and Trina didn’t hit it off. To be fair we had no no idea two drinks would have her dancing on tables never mind the rest. And Kara was nice if… a little on the quiet reserved side. And the least said about Jenna’s cousin the better…. These days she is a sports mom so her attentions are firmly on embracing the competitive spirit so perfectly safe.”

"And don't forget that Cynthia person who spent the entire evening droning on about politics and wanted me to come see her mushroom farm," Erik said dryly. "Even had a starter kit arranged with a pretty pink bow on it to give me."

“Oh my! I’d forgotten her name! She was very … interesting,” James laughed, shaking his head. “It’s a miracle you still speak to me, Erik! As much as I’m sure you will find a special someone, I think we all know it is not because of blind dates set up by my wife! Assuming you want to that - wait, did I just see a cat?”

"Yes," Erik said. "Who, Atticus?" The kitten in question, a blue Maine Coon that was just passing three months old, demanded attention and Erik scooped him up with one hand, settling him into his lap. "Just got him recently."

“He’s fabulous! And what a name!” James grinned. “I’m trying to talk the family out of another puppy, two is quite enough and one of them barks constantly when I’m in uniform. Ruined a uniform jacket the other day and tried burying it in the garden. Flowerbeds ruined. Of course the kids think it is hilarious.”

"I think it's hilarious," Erik said, chuckling softly. "Wonder what it is about uniforms that gets the puppy all riled up? Is he a Daddy's dog? Ties it to you leaving?"

“I think he just likes reminding me of my pecking order in the family food chain,” James laughed. “Jenna even started taking him to some dog whisperer who moved in to the neighbourhood so maybe my uniforms will start lasting a little longer!”

"You'll have to let me know how it goes," Erik said. "For now, though I have to run. Good talking to you again, James. And ... I'll be looking for your little gift."

“Safe travels, my friend,” James smiled, “don’t worry, I’ll even gift wrap the crates myself.”

---

Captain Erik Norsgaard
Commanding Officer
USS Thunderbird

Commander James MacRae
Starfleet R&D
Starfleet Headquarters

 

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