Less Pomp, More Work

Posted on Sun Mar 27th, 2011 @ 7:04am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant Tavish 'Tav' Ross

873 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: The Forests of Mythraeli
Location: Deck 1, USS Calypso

Lieutenant Tavish Ross stepped out of the turbolift onto the main bridge. He had arrived at the lift beside the Captain's Ready Room, but took a moment to have a look around the command centre of the Galaxy-class ship. He had never been onboard one before but knew of their reputation for being impressive, and this was nothing short of that.

Tav had arrived onboard only a few moments ago having been forced to take a shuttle from a passing starship for almost two days to get here. Calypso was his new home and the place Commander Yates had pretty much sent him. He had to get used to it and familiar with the layout pretty quickly, from the briefing he had, his services would be needed from the off.

A couple of heads looked in his direction as he seemed to linger. He took the cue that his observations were unwanted and ever so slightly intrusive and turned his attention to the ready room door, tapping the chime, hoping to find the Commanding Officer within.

"Come in," Sam called, setting down a PADD. When she saw the Lieutenant she smiled and stood. "Hello, Lieutenant. Come in and have a seat."

Tav entered the office and looked around. A painting of mountains hung on the wall and a couple of shelves of books stood near to the desk. He couldn't read the titles across the office, but they looked old.

"Thank you Captain," he replied and stood to attention as he reached her desk. "Lieutenant Ross reporting for duty, ma'am."

"At ease, Lieutenant," Sam said. "I should warn you that I'm not big on formality. I'm a scientist at heart and tend to be more casual in my command style."

Tav let out a sigh of relief and with it the tense stance of attention dropped. "Good," he replied. "I've got no time for pomp and ceremony in everyday life, it doesn't serve much purpose in my job."

"True. It's hard to find pomp in a Jefferies Tube," she grinned. "Tell me a bit about your assignment before the Calypso."

"I was the Assistant Chief on the Excalibur," Tav replied, taking a seat next to the desk. "It's a big ship, very practical in its design, but it lacks sophistication. The Chief there, Commander Yates, is very able, he knows starships like the back of his hand and was quite willing to share his knowledge, but it's no easy task following in his footsteps."

"I've been in similar situations myself." Sam smiled, remembering how she'd been given command of the Orion. "It's always easier to learn from your predecessors and then make your own path. You'll never fill someone else's shoes." She looked at the Lieutenant and chuckled. "I'm mixing my metaphors. Sorry."

"I would imagine you've digested a few metaphors," Tav commented, gesturing with a couple of fingers to the bookshelf. "You seem...well read."

He offered a smile, unsure himself of whether well read was a compliment or not, it was certainly intended that way, he hoped he would be received well regardless. That might be your foot in your mouth on the first day Tav, well done!.

She picked up on his discomfort so decided to move on. "Is there anything in particular you need from me?"

"Not that I'm aware of yet, although you're my first port of call, I've not been down to engineering as yet," he replied. "On the other hand, is there anything I need to get on with straight away?"

"Check with Ensign Tramira in Security and Lieutenant Talri in Science. See if they need any help boosting communications to the planet. We've lost contact with the away team," she explained. "Other than that, nothing at the moment, but I'm sure we'll keep you busy enough."

"Yes, I read the situation on the way here, we've also lost sensor abilities through the planet's atmosphere?" Tav asked, wanting to confirm his understanding of the brief report he had received.

Sam nodded. "Although it appears to be limited to a small area of the planet. Unfortunately, it's the area where the away team landed. The fighters did a fly over and lost instruments over that area as well."

Tav furrowed his brow, slightly confused by what could be causing the interference in a specific locality. "I'll speak to the other officers and see what I can do to help. Is there anything else, Captain?"

"I think that's plenty for now," she replied, amused by the question. She stood and offered her hand to the Lieutenant. "Welcome aboard."

"Thank you, it's a pleasure," he replied, also standing. He took Sam's hand and shook it firmly, but gently.

"Don't hesitate to come to me if you need anything," she said as she watched him turn and leave.

"You'll be the first to know," he replied looking over his shoulder. "Thanks for your time."

He left the ready room and the door slid closed behind him. Now it was time to work, he had a date with engineering and he didn't want to be late.

OFF

Captain Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Lieutenant Tavish Ross
Chief Engineer
USS Calypso

 

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