The Cartography of Absence
Posted on Fri Aug 1, 2025 @ 7:41am by Lieutenant Liam Blackwood & Civilian Nyla Thane
1,812 words; about a 9 minute read
Mission:
Time After Time
Location: Deep Space Five
Liam stood at the disembarkation gate, hands clasped behind his back, a mixture of excitement and nerves humming beneath his calm exterior. The docking sequence had just begun. This morning, he'd been assigned to welcome Dr. Nyla Thane aboard Deep Space Five.
Her stay on the station would be brief, just a stopover before continuing down to the planet below, where she would assume her new role as Deputy Director of Science, Exploration, and Archaeology. She’d be working directly under Commander Wells, the department’s director. Still, even if temporary, Liam found himself excited to meet her.
He had attended one of her lectures years ago, when she was a guest speaker at the Academy. The Cartography of Absence: Mapping What We Don’t Know. A session that had left an impression on him. He remembered asking a question during the Q&A, though for the life of him, he couldn’t recall what it had been.
Now, as the airlock cycled open and the first few passengers stepped through, he straightened slightly, scanning the crowd for someone who matched her description.
A few more passengers stepped off the transport. Then a small wave followed. Liam waited patiently, shifting his weight but keeping his posture composed. His eyes moved from face to face, quietly scanning, but none of them seemed to match her profile.
As the crowd thinned, he began to wonder if he’d somehow missed her.
Another trickle of disembarking passengers emerged, and Liam turned slightly, peering past them. Still nothing. He turned his back to the gate, ready to check the arrival logs again.
“Are you looking for me?” The voice came from behind him.
Liam turned.
She stood a few steps away, watching him with a curious half-smile.
She looked just as he remembered. About five-seven, with a lean, athletic build shaped by purpose more than appearance. Her amber-brown hair caught the overhead lights with a subtle red shimmer, and her blue eyes were clear. She wore a dark olive jacket over a soft, collared tunic. Her pants were tailored but practical, and her boots had the scuffed look of someone used to walking uneven terrain. A slim satchel was slung across her shoulder, worn in a way that suggested she rarely traveled without it.
Liam cleared his throat, smiling as he stepped forward. “Dr. Thane, Welcome aboard Deep Space Five. I’m Lieutenant Liam Blackwood. I’ve been assigned to escort you.”
“You were a cadet when I last saw you.” She responded.
Liam was caught off guard. "You remember that?" He asked. Of all the people who must have attended her lectures over the years, he hadn't expected to stand out. He wasn't even sure he'd spoken clearly when he asked his question that day.
“You asked me a question.” She said simply. “During my lecture at the Academy.”
Liam titled his head. How could she remember something so specific? He wondered. He let out a sheepish laugh. "I remember the talk, but not what I asked."
“You asked how we distinguish between what was never there and what was simply lost to time.” She replied. “It was one of the better questions that day.”
Of course she remembered. She had a habit of doing that. Recalling details others had long forgotten. She never explained how, never made a point of it. But every now and then, she’d drop a memory like that into conversation. It was just one of the many things that made her unforgettable.
“You said we look for context.” He said. “That loss leaves traces, disruptions, echoes. But true absence is cleaner. Deceptively so.” He glanced at her. “And that our job is to live with the uncertainty.”
She gave him another half-smile. “Very good. You were listening.”
“Hard not to.” He replied. He may not have remembered the question, but her lecture hadn't just impressed him, it had anchored him. At a time when he'd been uncertain about his future, her responses has offered clarity. It was the quiet encouragement he hadn't known he needed.
Nyla gave a small nod and turned to retrieve her bag.
Liam stepped forward to help, but she waved him off with a quiet, practiced gesture.
She slung the duffle over her shoulder, adjusted the strap, then turned back to him. “Shall we?” she asked.
“Yes, this way.” He gestured down the now-empty corridor. Aside from a few lingering crew members, the area had cleared out.
Liam waited for her to fall in step beside him before starting down the hallway. It felt a little surreal. She’d been a kind of quiet hero to him, though she had no idea. And he had no plans to tell her.
For a few moments, he let the silence stretch. But it didn’t last. His nerves got the better of him.
“So… how was your trip” he asked, then winced internally. Really? That’s what you go with?
Nyla gave a faint smile. “Long, quiet, largely uneventful.” She adjusted the strap on her duffle as they walked. “No delays, no turbulence, no last-minute detours through some forgotten system. Bit of a shame, really.”
She glanced sideways at him. “The coffee, however, was as tragic as ever. Tasted like the replicator lost interest halfway through.”
He smiled. “Well, we’ll try to do better while you’re here. No promises, but we do aim for slightly less tragic.”
“Do you know when I’ll be heading down to the surface?” she asked.
“I believe the arrangements are still being finalized.” Liam replied. “I was asked to meet you and escort you to the guest quarters. Commander Wells will connect with you soon. She’ll have the specifics on transport.”
Nyla nodded. “Good. I’d like to get a sense of the site layout as soon as possible.”
“I can provide a copy of the latest site maps we have on record.” Liam offered.
Nyla gave him a genuine look of appreciation. “Thank you, Lieutenant. That would be helpful.”
“You don’t have to call me ‘Lieutenant,’ you know. Just Liam is fine.” Liam said.
“I’ve worked with Starfleet long enough to know that first names aren’t always the best policy.” Nyla replied.
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
She nodded. “Too many shifting roles, changing chains of command. I’ve found it’s easier, for everyone, if I stick to rank and surname. Keeps things clear.”
Liam chuckled. “Fair enough. Though I reserve the right to try and wear you down.”
Her eyes glinted with subtle amusement. “You wouldn’t be the first.”
The conversation fell into a comfortable silence as they stepped onto the turbolift and headed to the deck housing the guest quarters. The hum of the lift filled the quiet space between them. A few moments later, they arrived at her assigned room. Liam tapped in a security code on the panel beside the door, and it slid open with a soft hiss.
The quarters were standard issue. Living and dining area greeted them upon entry, with a closed door to the left leading to the bedroom. A desk sat at the opposite side of the quarters with a replicator nearby. The furnishings were regulation Starfleet.
Nyla took a quick glance around the quarters. They’ll do. She thought.
Stepping inside, she dropped her duffle just beside the door, then slipped off her satchel and shrugged out of her jacket in one motion. She turned back to Liam.
"Come on in." She said. "Would you like anything?" She asked as she headed toward the replicator.
Liam hesitated. "Are you sure? I don't want to intrude. You've been traveling, and I'm sure you'd rather settle in. He said not wanting to overstay his welcome even if part of him wanted to linger just a lttle longer.
Nyla turned from the replicator to face him, her expression even. “Lieutenant, if I didn’t want you to come in, I wouldn’t have invited you.” She said plainly, before turning back to the panel.
Her directness caught Liam off guard, but she had a point. He’d asw trying to be polite, but there was no mistaking the invitation. He stepped inside her quarters.
Nyla heard the hiss of the door. She allowed herself a small smile before turning her attention back to the replicator.
Liam stood near the entrance, looking around the quarters with mild awkwardness. From where he stood, he could hear Nyla programming a custom recipe. Spearmint, peppermint, dried lavender, and one spoon of raw sugar.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Last chance..."
"I’ll have what you’re having. That tea smells incredible.” Liam said.
Nyla gave a smal nod and turned back to the replicator. “Good choice." She said ordering another cup. Nyla turned around with two cups of tea in hand and noticed Liam still standing near the door. She glanced toward the dining table, then looked back at him. “Please.” She said, nodding toward the table. “Have a seat.”
Liam stepped forward and made his way to the table, sitting in a chair
Nyla set one of the ups in front of him, and another in front of the chair she'd occupy.
“That smells amazing." Liam said.
“Let’s hope the replicator didn’t give up halfway through.” Nyla replied as she took her seat. “It’d be nice if it tastes as good as it smells.”
“I’m sure it will be,” Liam replied, eyeing the cup. The rising steam was still thick. He resisted the urge to take a sip too soon.
Nyla leaned back in her chair, studying him over the rim of her own cup.
“Tell me, Liam… what have you been up to since the Academy? How did you end up here, of all places?”
Liam looked at her. Surprised by the sudden shift. A moment ago she’d insisted on rank, and now she was calling him by his first name. He thought about questioning it, but decided to let it go. Maybe she was just trying to get to know him.
“It’s a long story.” He said.
Nyla nodded and reached for her tea. The cup was warm, almost too warm, but she didn’t flinch as she brought it to her lips. The heat bit at the edges, but she welcomed it. “I’ve got time.” She said, taking a slow sip. There were no pressing tasks until Commander Wells decided to appear. For now, this would do.
Liam nodded. “Well… okay then.” Se said, and began telling her, where he’d been, what had led him here, and everything in between.
A post by
Lieutenant Liam Blackwood
Chief Science Officer
Deep Space Five
Dr. Nyla Thane
Deputy Director of Science, Exploration, and Archaeology
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