First Steps of a New Life

Posted on Mon May 1, 2017 @ 9:18pm by Fleet Captain Rhea Kennit

1,129 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Silence
Location: Docking Pylon 6, Station Theta-7 / XO's Office, USS Victory-A
Timeline: Stardate 65624.914 (Backpost shortly after "Arrival at Theta 7"

OOC Owens: I've opted to start by reporting directly to the Executive Officer. I think it is most feasible for me as a junior officer, since XOs generally deal with (or fend off...) personnel. If that doesn't work for you I can change it.

OOC: Hunter: Works for me! Welcome aboard!

On: [[Docking Pylon 6, Station Theta-7, Stardate 65789.486]]

Amy made her way through the pylon, wondering which of the people she was passing were crew members of the Victory and which were just station personnel helping with upgrades or repairs. She knew they certainly recognized her as a new crew member; there was something distinguishable about a Starfleet officer approaching a new assignment. Maybe it was the travel bag, though Amy’s was small and carried only a couple spare uniforms; she didn’t have any other possessions.

I wonder what they told Commander Hunter, Amy thought as she entered the ship. Probably everything. I just hope he understands I’m as confused and lost as anyone. Smiling briefly to some passing crew members, Amy made her way up to the XO’s office and rang the chime.

Alec was hunched over his desk,going over some departmental readiness reports before he presented them to Rhea. He wanted to make sure there was nothing of a surprise in them and also he knew Rhea would probably not even read them but ask him for a brief summary. A small smile came to his face, it was always best to be prepared when talking with the Captain. Heck, one day he reasoned she might surprise him and read them.

Putting down one PaDD he reached for another when his door chime rang. Did he forget a meeting? He looked at his appointment calendar and did see any listed. *Only one way to find out* He told himself. "Enter" He replied and sat straighter to see just who was about to grace his office.

The doors hissed open and Amy stepped into the room, glad she hadn't missed the commander. She straightened to a respectful attention and offered the PaDD carrying her transfer orders. "Lieutenant Owens, requesting permission to come aboard," Amy said by way of announcing herself.

As the doors hissed open admitting an officer Alec didn't recognize, he stood up as she approached, offering a PaDD in her outstretched hand. Even as he accepted the PaDD his eyes swept over her, appraising the officer standing before him. While she may have been anxious in her new assignment, she hid it well and presented a picture of a composed officer. He immediately got the impression that she didn't rattle easily. Was cool under pressure. Was the type of officer you wanted by your side when the chips were down.

"At ease Lieutenant. Please take a seat." Alec replied pleasantly as he gestured to a chair in front of his desk. "If you'd like something to drink,help yourself." As he pointed at the wall replicator. With that he sat and began to read over her personnel file.

"No, thank you," Amy said, politely declining the offer of a drink. Relaxing a little, she sat across the desk from him and waited a few moments for him to glance over her file. He seems a little weary, she thought to herself. It sounds like this crew has been through a lot lately, and the senior most people always seem to bear the brunt of that burden. In spite of her private observations, Amy could see that any such weariness was clearly outmatched by the commander's resolve. If this was a representation of the crew Amy was joining, she knew she had found a good place to be.

Alec quickly reviewed Owens's file. It was impressive to say the least and the Victory was fortunate to get her. He set the PaDD aside and looked across his desk at Owens, "Quite impressive Lieutenant." He said honestly, "An excellent officer, now tell me about yourself, something not in the file. I want to know Amanda Owens the person."

"Something not in the file?" Amy said. She gave a small smile. "And here I thought Starfleet had everything in their files. I guess I could tell you I love learning new things, and quickly, but that's probably in the files. What would you like to know about me?"

"Well., that's a start." Alec replied easily. "Do you have any hobbies? Do you like to cook? Read? That sort of thing." He explained.

Behind them the door opened, and Captain Kennit entered the room. Noting the new arrival, she gave the unfamiliar officer an assessing glance as she said, "Pardon the interruption Commander, I received word from command that we are to expect new orders from the latest shift in Task Force command. No details yet but, I wanted you to be aware.

"Thank you Captain and you can intrude anytime." He bantered in return before continuing, "Captain may I present Lt. Amanda Owens, she just recently came aboard at the station."

Amy immediately stood and straightened at the sight of the captain. "Ma'am," she said politely.

"At ease Lieutenant," the Captain answered. "I hope Commander Hunter hasn't scared you off before you've had time to get settled in.."

"Not at all, Ma'am," Amy said, relaxing again. "In fact he's been quite welcoming."

Still seated, Alec turned his head toward Rhea an expression of 'See!' on his face.

Unimpressed, Kennit replied "huh...First time for everything...". Then, she asked, "Have you got those reports finished up?"

Alec was only partially successful in keeping the grin off his face, reaching for the PaDDs containing the reports, he spoke, "Here you go Captain. All signed,sealed and delivered."

Accepting the PaDDs from him she flipped through several reports, then waved the collection of reports at him and said "I'll get these back to you shortly."

Turning to leave, she said "Welcome aboard Lieutenant.."

"No rush Captain. I know what they say." He quipped with a smile.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Amy responded to the captain. "I look forward to my time here."

Giving the XO a final wave, the Captain swept out of the XOs office just as swiftly as she'd entered.

Watching the Captain leave, Alec turned back to Owens. "I think we're done here Lieutenant. Your dismissed. Go find your quarters and relax before your first duty shift." He paused briefly before continuing, Oh, one more thing, Welcome aboard!"

Amy smiled brightly. "Thank you!" she said enthusiastically, happy to get started with her new assignment.


OFF

A Joint Mission Post By

Lieutenant Amanda Owens
Strategic Operations Officer
USS Victory-A

Commander Alec Hunter
Executive Officer
USS Victory-A

Captain Rhea Katrijn Kennit
Commanding Officer
USS Victory-A

 

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