Business Stroll

Posted on Tue Sep 10, 2013 @ 10:13pm by

764 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: A Whole New World: Part 1 - Precipice
Location: Transporter Room Two
Timeline: 62525.029 [Fri, 30 Nov 2384 11:00 GMT]

Chief Petty Officer Thomas Barnes strolled through the corridor, nodding to those that he passed and standing aside for the officers walking through. Though he was on duty, he was finding himself still adjusting to his unfamiliar role as Chief of the Boat. He had enlisted in Starfleet the moment he graduated from high school only because he didn't know what to do with the rest of his life. The Academy would've suited him well, but the idea of four more years of schooling left a sour taste.

It was through Starfleet that Tom found purpose. And indeed a well-lived life found him through times filled with peace and war. Without a doubt, even at 39, he was one of the oldest people on the ship. His heart and soul, however, had to still be 25 or younger. The Chevrons he wore, now accented with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, reminded him to act his physical age.

He passed a slender Andorian female ensign wearing science blue just before he stepped inside the turbolift. More than a decade separated them, but age did not matter. Rank did. He had a service record spanning twenty years, and hers was probably just beginning... and she outranked him. It was pointless for him now to seek an officer's rank and paygrade. He was too old. Fortunately, Starfleet's muscle rested in the enlisted ranks. Tom would be forever comfortable.

The turbolift deposited him on Deck 4. He came aboard just before the Victory got underway and did his best checking in with all of the departments. 144 enlisted personnel outnumbered the couple dozen officers, and it was his job to act as a singular voice of the enlisted people to the commander of the Victory. Quite daunting at first, but Thomas certainly enjoyed the high amount of interaction with the crew.

Thomas walked through the open entrance to Transporter Room Two. The room was empty, save for a console in standby and the thrumming of the pattern buffer beneath the bulkheads. The chamber was supposed to be manned by Petty Officer M'Kay, a Caitian, but Thomas enjoyed her absence. The transporter was his first friend in Starfleet, having operated several cargo transporters at Utopia Plantia Shipyards over Mars as his first official assignment. He could take a pattern buffer apart and reassemble it with his eyes closed. He was skillful indeed. Hopefully he would spend some time behind the controls aboard the Victory. One step at a time.

He stepped up to the platform to study the energizing coils. These definitely had seen some modifications he had never heard of before.

Behind him, the doors swished open, breaking his thoughts before they could form. He turned to see the female Caitian enter the room. "Ah, Petty Officer M'Kay, how are you?" He stepped off the platform, approaching her.

"Chief," she replied, stepping behind the console to restore its full functionality.

"Usually," Thomas said, standing behind the console as well, "when one has to step out of the primary transporter rooms, a replacement needs to be summoned."

"I called for one," M'Kay answered cautiously. "One was unavailable."

Thomas nodded, looking down at the active control board. He knew all too well the feeling when the morning cup of coffee had to urgently come out the other end and there was no relief in sight. That still did not supersede protocol. "I may be Chief of the Boat, but I'd like to spend some time in transporter rooms. You may see me around more often that others." He saw the Caitian's surprised look. "Don't worry, Chief Ops is still in charge. As you are the senior enlisted member of the transporter department, feel free to bring to me any grievances and such." He smiled. "It's my job to make sure you can do yours."

M'Kay paused, considering the Chief's words, and his facial expression. Without trying to sound uncomfortable. "Thank you, Chief."

Alas, she did. Thomas was naturally friendly, and always hoped to use his friendliness to make situations more comfortable. He would have to work on that with Caitians. "Have a good day, Petty Officer." He stepped away from the console and moved towards the door. After it opened, he paused in the doorway and turned around. "I'm having the senior enlisted personnel meet in Holodeck 1 tomorrow evening for a little get-together. A little chance for us all to meet. I hope you'll come."

With a nod, he left the transporter room to resume his trek throughout the ship. He still had a few places to visit, and deflector control was next.

 

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