Duty Calls

Posted on Tue Nov 10th, 2015 @ 3:30am by Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Tate & Commander Hans Munich

1,327 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Of Gods and Men
Location: Captain's Ready Room

ON

Jennifer returned to the bridge as quickly as she had departed having been summoned back by Commander Munich. He had proposed she take on the role of Acting Executive Officer which was a far contrast from how Samantha York had first approached her. He had instructed her to meet him in Samantha's ready room, a usual SOP for a new Command team no matter how temporary.

She tapped on the door panel causing it to open versus a chime, Munich was expecting her after all. She stepped through the door approaching the German. "Commander Munich, I have to say I wasn't expecting your call so soon."

"I vas not expecting to be placed in command of teh ship again so soon." He said. "I am noticing dat the Commadore leaves the ship... alot." He was leaning on the desk. "I thought it vuld be best to make arrangements between us." He motioned to a seat. "Please sit and Ve Vill talk, I must be in command and as such I think it best to have an acting Executive Officer." He relayed. "I vould like you to be de XO until ve get the Away team back?"

"I can't say I disagree with you on either account." Jennifer commented on both his desire to have an XO and on York. "The Commodore does leave the ship quite often and it is for this reason that regulations have been put into place. I could go on all day about this but that is neither here nor there and now is not the time to discuss the Commodore. We have more pressing matters. How shall we proceed Commander?"

"Since I cannot be on the Bridge at all times I suggest we do rotations and keep a detail passing of information between the two of us." Munich began. "I have the Engines as the primary repair and OPS is working the various relay damage due to the power surges. We aree going at impulse until the Engines are ready for the best speed we can get; my aim is at least warp seven. Aside from that Medical is keeping up with the wounded but there are not that many as this was not combat so we were lucky in Dat." Munich relayed. "What we need to do is get the ship ready and maybe have science analyze the energy that hit us and find a way to neutralize or protect ourslves from it as a priority don't you agree?"

"Aye sir. I will also send a request out to my old contacts at Starfleet science and see if they can dig anything up. I've also sent data out to intelligence to see if they have encountered similar technology before as well. I would recommend we not come in close proximity of the planet until we are able to at least protect ourselves. Any further attempts at rescue without safeguards will only put us and the away team in more danger." Jennifer replied.

"They were kind to us." Munich pointed out. "Could have easiy killed us in orbit, they sent us avay... a hint if you get my meaning?" Munich continued. "We have an away team and I only hope the fighters are okay and not in a similar whicket." He said calmly. "You will give me da full disclosure on your intel results, as though we are team." Munich said with a polite term. "Ve are building our working trust, I have given you my vote and I hope it was accepted by you?"

Jennifer furled her brows wondering what had precipitated such a paranoid response. She knew intel had it's stereotypes but she also thought she had at least proven herself to be contrary to such things. Beside that point, she had just offered him her aid and revealed whom she had been speaking with, an act someone with something to hide would surely not do. "Of course Commander. It was my full intent to share my findings with you. Our goals are aligned. However I must again urge caution. The "kindness" we were afforded the first name, may not be reciprocated a second time."

"Commander, I am sorry if I offend." He said honestly. "Having the ship attacked in a manner of speaking and hurled several warp days is unnerving." He said trying to control his German accent. "I chose you as the best officer to be executive as I was left in command because I trust your judgement, please forgive some frazzled nerves." He took a breath. "But let us get back to our arriving to the planet, or at least close enough to start observing and making rescue plans?"

jennifer smiled as she was relieved and understanding of his explanation. They were bound to run into hurdles as a new Command team but she was glad this one worked itself out quickly. "Commander, it's alright I completely understand. I thank you for your vote of confidence and assure you it will be reciprocated. As for the rescue, may I suggest we send a probe? Perhaps it will not be considered a threat by whatever has taken residence on the planet and we could learn more?"

"We have fighters in the area; I hope, why not try and establish communications with them as I trust beings over machines to make observations like this?" Munich pointed out. "Plus a probe will tip our hand and might project a quicker return than the enemy tink, is just use what we have is my idea?"

jennifer cringed slightly cursing herself for not being aware of the fighters. "Well Commander, if the fighters are still in the area, then a probe is moot. However we must also keep in mind they will have been out there for several days which will have caused a great deal of wear on the pilots. Establishing communication with them is a must, but we must be weary not to over-exert them. Hopefully they will have gathered some data on the planet so we can better discern what we are up against. Otherwise, the only course of action I can think of is sending a second away team to the surface. A team geared not solely towards exploration but under the assumption we are dealing with a hostile force."

"Dat bridge we cross when we come to it." Munich thought aloud. "We get the ship under way at warp then worry, but we can try and establish communications with the fighters." He nod. "When we are back in the solar system we can make plans for rescue and and aggressive actions we ust take. Until then we concentrate on repairs and getting back." He met her eyes. "Do you have any ideas on what we can do?"

"I would think you more of an expert on the subject then I. Honestly I believe you have taken the best actions possible with the resources you have. My only further recommendation would be to poll other departments and see if we have any other personnel whom could be diverted to the repairs. Even someone handling mundane repairs could free up a qualified engineer to focus on the much more complicated tasks. Engines and Long range sensors should remain priority." Jennifer commented.

"I will stay on Bridge Duty and that should allow you the autonomy to make some of those changes as we do not both have to be on the bridge?" He suggested.

"Aye, I will begin to compile the list at once and notify the applicable department heads. Is there anything else sir?" Jennifer asked.

"No that will be all thank you." Munich admitted.

"Commander." Jennifer said bowing her head respectfully before exiting the ready room.

Munich sagged slightly on the edge of the desk. He was making the decision he felt had the best chance to get the results; only time would tell.

OFF

Lt. CMDR Hans Munich
Acting CO.

Lt. Cmdr Jennifer Tate
Acting XO

 

RSS Feed