[Back post] Reporting for Duty

Posted on Fri Apr 2nd, 2010 @ 8:54am by Lieutenant JG Erin Tal & Commodore Samantha York

1,115 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: What Lies Beneath?
Location: CO's ready room
Timeline: Before the Tiberius IV mission while docked at Typhon

ON

Erin Tal waited outside for a few minutes, smoothing down her new uniform self-conciously and trying to abate the odd jolt of nerves fluttering around her stomach right then. For some reason, she found dimplomacy ten times scarier than a warzone.

Taking a deep breath she knocked on the doors. ''Ensign Erin Tal, reporting for duty.'' She called, with the faintest hint of an accent.

Sam was busy with last-minute paperwork. When she heard who was at the door she set it aside. She was curious to meet the new officer. "Come in," she called, standing to greet the officer.

Erin stepped through the doorway and walked up to the Commander, looking around the office the least she could.
''Hello Commander.'' She greeted with a big grin, holding out her hand. It seemed to be a little of an old-fashioned custom but she liked it, and always used it.
''Apologies if I am early, I have a habit of that.''

"Better early than late," Sam replied, shaking her hand. "Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?"

Erin nodded gratefully. ''Water would be great, thanks.'' She said, sitting down and finally looking around.
She didn't know what to say that wouldn't sound too casual for first introductions so she kept quiet, waiting for the Commander to speak.
As a counceller she treated all crewmates the same, but thought that her usual banter may not be the type of ettiquitte used for reporting for Duty.

Sam replicated a glass of water for Erin and an apricot smoothie for herself and returned to her desk. After setting the glass of water in front of the other officer, she took her seat. "Welcome aboard the Orion. First, I don't like formality. So relax." She'd sensed the uncertainty in the other woman. "Feel free to call me Skipper, Commander or Sam. I'll respond to any of them. I'm not so used to Captain yet." She took a sip of her drink. "Tell me a bit about yourself."

Erin broke into a smile. ''Thats good, I deal with informality better.'' She admitted, taking a sip of the water with a nod of thanks. ''Makes everything easier, you know?''

The Kazon paused a little, wondering what to say. ''Well, I grew up in the Delta Quadrant over 300 years ago.'' She began after a moment, looking a little bemused.
''Not the normal start, I know.''
''As you can tell, I'm not human.'' She gestured towards her ridged forehead. ''Kazon, from the Halik sect. I came here in stasis on a sleeper ship ten years ago, joined up for Starfleet when I was 18 and viola..'' She continued, spreading her hands. ''..here I am.''

Sam nodded. "I had wondered how a Kazon got into Starfleet. The only reference to your people is from the USS Voyager." She grinned at Erin. "I'm a scientist. I looked it up." She paused while taking another sip of her juice. "How are you adjusting to the Federation? It's a long way from the life you lived before." At least, as far as the records indicated, her former life was not a pleasant one.

Erin grinned back wryly. ''It's very different, to state the obvious.''
''The federation is... functional.'' She said dryly. ''They treated us all fairly and I couldn't ask for a better life, but its a far cry from home.''
''From Federation point of view, war is detestable, but when its all you know, its totally different.'' She took a sip of the water before continuing. ''I tired of war years ago, but there is part of me that longs for home, despite all the federation has done for us.''
She looked up with a slight knowing smile. ''Probably a little ungrateful of me, but I digress.''

Sam found that comment very telling. "What would you do if you had the chance to go home? You can't go back 300 years, but if you could return to Kazon space, would you?"

''Something I ask myself a lot.'' Erin admitted, looking serious. ''I dont think I would, it would be ruining all the effort we went to to escape. But on the other hand, we would no longer be prosecuted for deserting.. so on the other hand would like to go back to help start peace talks, this time. ''

"That's fair," Sam said. "What made you decide on counseling?"

''I want to help people.'' Erin said honestly. ''It's as simple as that, really. I figured with all the good that Starfleet does, someone's got to keep the crew in good mental health.'' She added with a grin.

Sam grinned back. "I'm glad you're here to do just that. We'll be heading to Tiberius IV soon and I'm sure you'll be needed."

Erin nodded in agreement. ''I hope not, but I was breifed on the mission, and it seems a possibility.'' She admitted.
''As first official missions go, this one is going to certainly be...interesting. Has the crew of the Orion even gone on one like this before?''

'Not exactly. But it is our third away mission -- unofficially, at least. So taking a shuttle to the planet to see what's down there is nothing new. Each time we found something unexpected. I'm sure that'll be the case this time," Sam replied. First it was pirates, then it was k'nar. This time, she had no idea what to expect.

''Knowing Starfleets' penchant for trouble, that wouldn't be a surprise.'' Erin replied wryly. ''Nevertheless, thank you for allowing me on your ship just before a mission. Crew tensions must be high.''

"I don't know about tensions... except for the lounge manager. He's not happy that we're heading out before his lounge is repaired," Sam explained. "We had pirates board the ship and they ended up in the lounge. It was a mess when the battle was over. You may want to start with him."

Erin nodded. ''So I've heard.'' She said. ''Then again, so would I be if my workkplace got destroyed by pirates. I'd say in hindsight, its a good story though.''

Samantha nodded. "Yes, and I'm sure he'll be telling it for years to come. Stop by and chat with him when you get settled in. Then get the rest of the crew as you can."

Sam shook Erin's hand, then watched while she walked out the door. She hoped the Ensign would be up to the challenge of Mr. Ted Turner.

OFF

Commander Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Orion

Ensign Erin Tal
Chief Counselor
USS Orion

 

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