Forward

Posted on Tue Oct 12th, 2021 @ 5:39pm by Captain Gary Alexander & Lieutenant Chadrick McNier & Lieutenant JG Alexandra Campa & Lieutenant JG Jordan Blackford & Karina Tell & Lieutenant JG Talia Flowers

993 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Mission 3 - A Whole New World
Location: Bridge
Timeline: 2168/08/15 0915

Alex sat at the helm. Her fingers worked the controls effortlessly. However, it had been awhile since she'd smiled and every muscle in her body was tense. She felt like she hadn't relaxed since the ship had taken its first casualties. She wasn't sure what long term hope there was. She just kept focused on the task in front of her.

Gary noticed that everyone on the ship seemed a bit tighter than before the incident on the planet. I need to do something to ease their pain and stress. I have KAT but who do they have? He walked up behind Alex and wordlessly put his hand on her shoulder.

Alex smiled up at him slightly. Her muscles seemed to just barely relax. She was thinking about things. She let out a small sigh.

"It is not easy, is it, Lieutenant?" Gary asked Alex with a sad smile.

"No, captain," she said quietly, almost a whisper. "It's..." She paused. Struggling to put it into words. Or perhaps just reluctant. Saying it made it real somehow.

Blackford stepped off the turolift and moved to the engineering station. He. like everyone one, was feeling a sense of loss.

"Is this the first time that you've lost a crewmate?" Gary asked Alex.

"Yes, captain," Alex said softly. "I'll be ok."

"Eventually, that will be true, but it takes time. Right now, we have to care for those that are still here," Gary told Alex sympathetically.

"Thank you, captain," Alex said softly.

McNier had taken more of a point to reside more on the Bridge Science Station; he relegated himself to far less time in the lab. After a stint on the Bridge in the Command Chair it was a wise decision to spend more time observing in the rare event the Captain trusted him in the Center Chair again.

Though with the way the Yeoman seemed to be needed to help him recall the more proper procedures. She was a very good support during his Bridge time and sparked a need to read more on the proper bridge procedures and what authorities an "Officer of the Deck ' in charge is allowed to do?

Besides; while on the bridge he could more closely utilize the deal he made with the Helm Officer as she was 'Jigging'' the ship every so slightly to allow him better readings.

Gary looked at McNier, "So, you kept the ship in one piece while I was gone. And you took care of KAT...."

Blackford turned and looked at the others....he wondered if everyone would get over the loss and move forward...he knew he could.

"The ship is fully functional and not even any space particle to mar the outer paint job." McNier replied. "Just as you instructed Sir."

"Indeed. A good job. So, you're my new XO. Congratulations," Gary told McNeir while wondering what the crew might think of this unusual choice.

KAT’s face remained immobile and it was a good thing that everyone else was occupied elsewhere. Her eyes widened imperceptibly and she blinked, casting her eyes down at her PADD. “Congratulations under the circumstances, Lieuten...” Looking at the Captain, expression neutral, she asked softly, “still a Lieutenant, Sir?” A promotion for the coffee drinker perhaps? And in the midst of that, might loosen up some.

[i] If [\i] that was even possible.

"Still a Lieutenant. We'll call it Acting XO for official records, I suppose, KAT. Make all the proper notations," Gary replied cheerily. That said, he noticed her eyes widen. It was rare to shock his yeoman. He wondered what she would say later tonight or in the morning...whenever he got her back in his quarters.

"Of course, Captain," KAT murmured softly, fingers flying over her PADD. She wondered if anyone would even receive these updates of hers. Or if anything they did out here would even matter to Starfleet. Or to anyone. But those thoughts of hers were indeed her own and she managed to keep her face serene. No need to voice her concerns... that would only cause more doubts within the crew. And quite possibly raise questions about their next steps.

"Perhaps we should make this a more formal occasion?" After losing crew members and appointing existing ones to replace them... it could be a gentle manner for closure, recognition of loss, and even hope for a better tomorrow... "For the Crew, Sir?" A soft suggestion, meant for the Captain's ears only.

Gary smiled back at his Yeoman. His eyes trying to convey his gratitude. "Make those arrangements, KAT," he whispered back.

KAT's eyes lowered in response and rose again to watch and record.

"With all due respect Captain."McNier tilt his head slightly. "WHile I find the concept an interesting experiment as we appear to be in a new section of the universe, I am presuming my Scientific Method and knowledge is the reason for the promotion, probing the unknown is a vast Scientific and SUrvey mission Sir?" He nod. "As tactically I am at a disadvantage, but I can help log the new data and perform experiments as required, that is what you seek in an Executive Officer?"

"I would not think about it right now, McNier. KAT will handle the details. Perhaps you should consult with her," Gary instructed him, despite knowing how this would rankle KAT. She might not even come by to talk to him tonight or worse, fail to come in the morning.

KAT's jaw muscles clenched for a moment and released them as she turned to look at the Engineer.

"Captain?" Blackford spoke up. "We're going to need some repairs on the ship and the engines pretty soon. I suggest we find an M class planet, preferably something that has deposits of dilithium and metals we'll need soon."

"Easier said that done," Gary responded. "Keep a look out and hopefully we can find some more helpful species."

Blackford nodded. "Aye sir."

 

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