Saying Hello

Posted on Sat Jan 30th, 2016 @ 10:25am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant Mara Cross

1,100 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Point of View
Location: USS Calypso

Turbolift doors closed in front of her. She took a deep breath, and gave the command to the turbolift to take her to the bridge. As it began to move she realized that for whatever reason she was very nervous. She felt like she did on her very first assignment when she had to meet with the Captain. Since her first time she had done it number of times but all that was awhile back. Soon enough the lift came to a stop and the doors opened. She looked out to the bridge. It was quiet. When she stepped off the lift and into the bridge few crew members looked over to see who it was. They nodded to her but it was obvious in their faces that they were confused to who she was. She nodded in responses and headed for the door leading to the ready room. She stopped pulling on her uniform just slightly then buzzed the doorbell.

Sam had just finished her report to Starfleet and was reading status reports when her door chimed. "Come in," she said, looking up to see who wished to speak to her.

The doors hissed opened in front of Mara. She took a step forward looking ahead to the person sitting behind the desk. She stopped after a few steps into the office. The doors closed behind her. "Good day, ma'am. My name is Lt. Mara Cross. Just assigned to your vessel." She introduced herself.

Sam stood. "Yes, I saw your orders, lieutenant. Welcome to the Calypso." She indicated the chair opposite her desk. "Have a seat and tell me about your last posting. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Thank you." Mara responded. She walked over to the chair motioned to by the Commodore and took a seat. She shook her head. "No, thank you." She responded to the inquiry about a drink. "My last posting was aboard the USS Acasta, an Intrepid class vessel. I served there as an Assistant Chief Operations Officer." She readjusted in her seat then continued. "Our primary mission was to explore several uncharted systems in the Gamma Quadrant."

"So not much different that what we're dong, except we aren't in the Gamma Quadrant," Sam replied. "What do you expect from your new posting?"

"I suppose not, but after all Starfleet was created to explore the unknown." She said with a smile. "I expect to learn. To obtain knowledge from situations and scenarios that I haven't experienced before. To grow both on a professional and personal level."

"You'll definitely have opportunities to learn here," Sam said. "We do tend to encounter the unusual on our voyages. I hope you will also have the opportunity for personal growth."

"I look welcome and look forward to encountering the unusual. I don't doubt that there will be opportunities for growth on both levels." She stated. "What are your expectations of the Chief Operations Officer, in this case me?" She asked.

"I like my senior officers to not have to be told everything before they get involved. I like suggestions and opinions because I feel that everyone has something to contribute on this ship," Sam said. "And on an away mission, you're part of a team and everyone in the team has an equal say. So, basically, I don't want you to simply sit at your console and respond only when asked. I want you to feel like you're part of a team."

"You won't have to worry about that with me. I like to get involved." She stated then added. "I might go stir crazy if I just sit behind my console."

Sam couldn't help smiling. "I would, too," she admitted. "What questions do you have of me?"

Mara smiled. There was that question. It often came up in these situations. "I don't want to take up too much of your time. But what is the current situation of the ship? Where are we heading next? Is there anything I need to know about my department?"

"We'll be heading back out in a few days to continue exploring the outer rim," Sam said. "What you should know is that Communications is separate from Operations. Lieutenant Commander Hans Munich is over communications. You'll be over the rest of Operations. Right now, he's also Acting XO until we get a replacement. I think most of the repairs after our last trip have been completed, so you should have time to meet people and familiarize yourself with the ship and your department."

Mara nodded as she listened to what the Commodore had to say. She found it rather curious that the Communications was not part of Operations aboard the vessel. She was curious enough to ask. "In my previous life in Starfleet, Communications and Operations were their own entities aboard starships, so there won't be any protests from me. I'm use to it that way." She smile. It wasn't like she really had a choice in the matter. "I was under the impression that Starfleet had moved away from that model. Just curious to why you've decided to go that route here on the Calypso..."

"It came about because we had several communications specialists -- including Commander Munich -- who have made some alterations to the comms. We're testing out these alterations, so it made splitting the departments a natural outcome."

She nodded. "I understand. So, from my observations the Engineering and Operations departments tend to work together often. There is a lot of crossover between the two departments. Have the Operations and Communications departments embarrassed that type of relationship here?" She paused for a moment letting out a gentle sigh. "I suppose I'm just trying to figure out the dynamics aboard the vessel. I don't want to step on anyone toes." She added.

"Yes, there is crossover there, too," Sam said. "And in a pinch, you'll all be working together."

Mara nodded yet again. "I don't think I have any other questions at this time." She smiled. "I feel like I have taken up enough of your time already, ma'am."

"My door is always open," Sam assured her. "Take the time you need to get settled in and meet the senior staff. Fortunately we're not too busy right now." She stood and extended her hand. "Welcome aboard, lieutenant."

Mara stood up from the chair. She shook the Commodores hand. "Thank you. I look forward to getting to know everyone here, and the ship as well. Have a good day ma'am." She said heading to the door.

____
OFF

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Mara Cross
Chief Operations Officer

 

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