Taking a side step

Posted on 20 Sep 2020 @ 12:41am by Captain Jonathan Reynolds

Mission: R&R - after facing the Planet Killer
Location: Captains Ready room
Timeline: After Planet killer is neutralised
1053 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon still was absorbing what had gone down in the last few days. He was happy that the Planet Killer had been neutralised even if it had not been how they had envisioned it possibly happening.

Other federation ships had met with them and helped get everyone back at the crossroads once more and parts of the debris been taken away for analysis. There had of course been plenty more paperwork.

Now he had an entirely different conversation to have.

"Come," he said towards his door as Hawkins was as punctual as ever.

Hawkins stepped inside, once he heard the Captain's acknowledgement, the door whooshing softly behind him, as it closed. A corner of his brain registered that it was working properly, due to its sound. His innate curiosity was actively wondering if he had forgotten to send in his reports, as to the status of the ship, after the encounter with the PK.

"Hello Captain, you wished to see me?"

"Yes please take a seat Ensign," Jon said indicating the chair opposite. "I'll get right to the crux of things. I find myself without a chief engineering officer. Lieutenant Karakalakss has been called away due to the death of her matriarch. She has had to make the long trip to return to the L'Tandry Protectorate to observe her cultures last rights. She will not be returning any time soon. A transport has already rendezvous with us and is taking her home."

As Michael was moving towards the indicated seat, he froze mid-way and turned towards the Captain a mixture of shock, and sadness to hear of the tragedy that had taken place in Lilura's life. He stood there for a few moments, then sat down, quietly processing the news. A minute passed by, then two before he spoke.

"That is a tragic happening." he quietly stated. "I will have to send a message of condolences to her." for some reason Michael's brain was being slow to process what the captain had said,then the other item popped up to the front of his mind.

"With Lieutenant Karakalakss leaving, looks like we will need to see about getting another Chief of Engineering. A little bit of a pickle you are facing."

"Well not really. You see Lieutenant I noticed you have more than a wee bit of engineering experience in your file. So I'm proposing moving you to be the new CEO," Jon said. "Then I have an idea on who to slide into ops. But they will need your support and advice. Tell me your thoughts. Do you think your up to the challenge?"

Michael was gobsmacked, there was no other word that could describe how he was feeling. His mouth gaped open, then closed with no words coming out.

Jon waited patiently for some sort of verbal response.

Michael's voice squeaked out, "M-me?" then he stopped, cleared his throat the spoke in a more normal voice, the shock still evident. "Wait... Lieutenant? And me the new Chief of Engineering? I will be very glad to help out the person who will be in operations... who is it.. I am very honored." the words all tumbling out.

"Yes Lieutenant," Jon opened his drawer and got to do one of the nicer parts of the captain job. He slid the pip over to the other man. "Comes with the new job. You also have to pass the bridge exam. Your scheduled in next week.

In terms of your replacement. Assuming she will consent I'm hoping to move Lieutenant Lau into that role. And between you and me, then steal Mr Bumble off the Europa to do what she was doing. I'd ask a favour there too. That man needs some confidence but Hes .... naturally nervous which in some cases translates to irritating.

In some cases he is just irritating though. But I think with the right people around him, actually taking some time to engage the man we can break that pattern. It doesn't sound like hes had a good time with some folk on the Europa. Your naturally confident. If a few of us take him under wing we might just see a new man emerge there if you know what I mean," Jon said.

"I think Lieutenant Bumble is a great guy. He's got interesting subtle qualities to him. He reminds me of a friend I had when growing up, what was his name... Dorian Finn Brewster. He was a shy guy, stumbled over his words and at times, over his own feet. There were guys who made fun of him at school, even girls too. What they didn't account for, was just how smart and funny he was." Michael grinned at the memories.

"He became a successful man, married a great lass with two kids, another one on the way. Anyhow, before I go any further down my own memory lane, back to the subject of Lieutenant Bumble, I'm willing, I've already found he's got a liking for some old earth classic movies that I like. So..you can count on me, Captain."

"Glad to hear it. Now I'm sure you can find someone less ugly than me to go pin that on you," Jon joked. "We arrive at star base 308 for some well deserved R&R in a couple of days so make sure you have some down time Lieutenant."

Michael grinned, "Well...I don't know..." he joked back," you are quite a comely man." pulling the pip towards himself. His smile faded, "However on a serious note, I would be honoured if you would do so. If not, I will ask Amelia to do so."

There was a degree of hero worship emanating off his officer. Jon wasn't sure if that was something to be worried about or to take it as a compliment. However he supposed he couldn't not do the honours if the man had asked him.

He walked towards him and put his hand out for the box.

Opening it he placed the pip on his collar. "Congratulations Lieutenant. Now go celebrate."

"Thank you, Captain." Michael was all he could say, giving a quick smile to Jon, a sense of awe washing over him as he left. Michael definitely had quite a bit to put down in his next missive to his family.

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