Congratulations, Now help me!

Posted on 24 Sep 2020 @ 5:34pm by Lieutenant Xu Chang Lau

Mission: Mission 4 - Race against the machine
Timeline: After Planet Killer Part 2 post
862 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Xu came from the Captains ready room, an exhilarated panic calmly descending around her. This was really happening and she now had substantially more work to complete before she could even fully be considered the new Chief of Operation, even if that was on a trial basis. The turbolift doors opened and she climbed onboard and requested to go to... she had no idea. She needed help to prepare for what was to come.

"Chang-Lau to Hawkins, are you busy? I could use some help with a personal matter".

"All right, where do you wish to meet?" Michael quickly responded, being mindful of what the captain had mentioned to him previously.

"Somewhere quiet... My quarters?" she was a little worried that sounded to forward but she was even more concerned about what she had coming.

"Sure, will be there soon." Michael shifting his previous destination from Engineering to Xu's quarters.

It didn't take her long to reach home, thankfully in between crisis she had managed to unpack everything and dispose of the shipping crates. Walking into her quarters was like a little haven of her home and culture, a few of her traditional kimono draped over one of the chairs being the only items still to be placed somewhere. She moved the bonsai Japanese Acer tree from the dining table, its deep burnt red leaves striking against the grey walls and was just placing down a pitcher of water and some glasses when the door chimed.

"Come in!" she called out.

Michael stepped inside, "Hello, Xu." he greeted her with a warm smile, "I love the decor of your quarters." he went silent taking in the ambiance, then asked, with a note of concern, "What can I help you with?"

"Firstly the Captain told me about your transfer to engineering and promotion... Congratulations Lieutenant Junior Grade Hawkins!" She smiled warmly at him. "And thank you, its a small sample of home for me... now, to business. Because of you moving the Captain wants to move me to Ops... I need the help prepping for the bridge officers examination. He wants it complete in a few days but I have never even looked things over. Becoming a bridge officer was never really high on my list of priorities!"

"The captain is definitely a decisive man."Michael commented giving a chuckle."And thank you, I was gobsmacked when he revealed his intention of having me become Chief of Engineering! And... you are not the only one who will be prepping for the bridge officer's examination. " pointing a thumb towards himself.

"Your's truly is also on the roster of taking the exam. I have been studying, just in case it happens, but I will be happy to help you out. Also, the Captain had revealed his intention on moving you to ops. I am confident that you'll be able to do the job. Also I will be on hand to assist you in the transition."

"You have no idea how that makes me feel better!!" so much so she could feel the alarm that had been a torrent since the Captain had spoken to her started to ebb a little.

She poured the pair of them some water and motioned for him to take a seat on the not so comfortable grey seating that seemed to come as standard no matter where you worked or lived. Something she had every intention of replacing as soon as she was able.

"So what does this examination entail... I'm clueless" she offered him a glass as she took the seat next to him.

"From what I have been reading, but I am not going to claim that I am completely right, the tests will include Tactical, Command, Ethics, Diplomacy, Medical, Science and Engineering. These will test where you are strong at, and where a person needs to improve. From what my grandfather had told me, there are some scenarios that can prove to be challenging. He wouldn't go into details as he told me, and I quote "There are things that you can't prepare yourself for until the situation arises."

Michael shook his head at the memory."I tried to press for some other details, but he just told me, he had to make some rather difficult decisions, not ones that he cared to discuss."

The colour was starting to drain from her features at the thoughts now populating her mind as to what this examination could entail, but she needed to focus. Command she could likely wing. Diplomacy, ethics, medical and science shouldn't be a problem... Engineering would be her downfall.

"In that case, my weakness is Engineering... how quickly can you download all of your knowledge into my brain?" she chuckled a little at her own panic. "Obviously if I can help you with anything then just ask".

"I could make some cliff notes that you can study with, I don't have the knowledge transfer machine set up yet.There are just too many bugs that need to be fixed." Michael quipped.

"In which case, the cliff notes will do fine" still on edge but with a relaxation starting to fall. "So where do we start?"