A place for you

Posted on 04 Nov 2020 @ 11:38pm by Captain Jonathan Reynolds

Mission: R&R - after facing the Planet Killer
Location: Captains Ready room
Timeline: R&R day 6
1055 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

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Jon had held off speaking to Natasha until he knew the lay of the land with Vern. Now regardless, he was going to offer her a place to stay if she wanted it. The problem was finding a capacity.

He invited her up to his ready room any way to discuss with her.

Natasha's mouth felt dry when she got the invite to meet with Captain Reynolds. Her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her chest, with how rapidly it was beating. She took a quick look at her image in a reflective panel, okay uniform neat and tidy, check, hair in place, check. Face calm, her emotions, well... he will actually sense her nervousness. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, she stepped inside the ready room.

"Greetings Captain Reynolds, how are you doing?" giving a bit of a smile, albeit, she felt it a rather weak and nervous one.

“Hello Commander. Not to bad thank you. Please take a seat,” he indicated. She was nervous, he was not sure why.

“So,” he said settling into his chair. “I was wondering what your plans were going forward?” He asked.

Natasha settled down in her chair, concern in her eyes. "Truth be told, I am not certain. It has been weighing on my mind as to what will happen to me, and Captain Keading. What happened with the Europa was serious, and I've not gotten any word as to whether there will be a trial or not. Do you have any information where that is concerned?" a worried crease appeared . "Honestly I would love to continue to serve in Star Fleet in some capacity, but will I be allowed to do so. There is still a great amount of work that needs to be done, especially out here, in this section of space."

"Sorry I haven't heard anything but I do know that your record speaks for itself. You are a bright young woman and if I can offer you a home here then I would be honoured to have you. Obviously I don't have a vacancy for a XO though," Jon said honestly.

"I would love to serve in some capacity on the Andromeda. Oh don't worry, I am not planning nor wanting to taking your XO's place." giving a bit of a smile, then the smile disappeared. " I don't know if I really want to be an XO at this time, on any ship. The loss of a ship causes pain, and there will be grief involved. It is similar to losing someone you love whole heartedly, and their tragic demise is like a sword in the heart. The wound would heal, but, the pain will rise up from time to time, and the tears will come."

Natasha paused, thinking of what happened to the Europa then she remembered something she had talked about with C'Tora. There was no loss of life from the destruction.

"The one thing that slightly eases the pain of the loss of the USS Europa is the fact that thankfully, we were able to get everyone off the ship. I would be in agony if there had been a loss of life due to the actions of the command staff. I wouldn't have been able to bear that sort of loss at all." she stated.

She stopped and gave a slight laugh. "Goodness I have gone off track, and have rambled. If you can find a place for me here it would be lovely. I'd even clean the head, if that is the only vacancy you have available. " And she would do that, if... it would mean she could be near a certain someone. "What would you be needing the most out here, a chef? A negotiator to deal with petty squabbles, um.. wait you have a chief of operations to do that."

"Well I don't actually have any negotiators or diplomats. Now diplomatic capacity. That's going to be useful. Very useful. We are going to meet more races out in the Beta quadrant I'm sure. You have some experience yes? I'm sure I read something in your bio. That would be huge help if you could fill that role?" he suggested.

Natasha's eyes lit up when he mentioned diplomatic service. it would mean she would be able to meet more new people, sure it would be tough at times but, she was up for the challenge. And she will be able to see, Ron.

"Oh that would be marvelous! Yes, I have had some experience in the diplomatic area. Definitely I accept, I am so thrilled!" beaming from ear to ear, her smile so dazzling in its brightness, like the sun coming out from behind dark clouds.

"Well that worked out quite nicely. I will put the paperwork through to get you with us as a diplomatic officer. That way depending on the outcome of what ever happens with Starfleet we can hopefully wing you keeping your rank," Jon said thinking.

"Right lets also get you some quarters sorted out," Jon said. "Tell you what lets put you in the same area as the other Europa crew who are becoming part of our crew. That way you will know some neighbours ehh?"

Natasha was very happy with this. "Oh, yes please do so. That would be wonderful. I am so happy I could kiss you!" she laughed. "Don't worry though, I won't, as it wouldn't be proper." clearing her throat slightly, as her cheeks turn a light pink.

"Quite," Jon agreed. True would laugh actually but he wasn't going to test that theory. "Well then officially welcome aboard the Andromeda. The first person you will probably want to get acquainted with is Iola. She's our liaison with the Dons and the Agora crossroads."

"Thank you Captain Reynolds for this opportunity. I'll go make Iola's acquaintance as soon as possible." Natasha replied, her cheeks going back to normal, her smile still there, mixed with relief and excitement. A new chapter in her life, she was looking forward to this.

"If I may, I'll go see about getting a place sorted out officially as well as other necessary items."

Jon nodded and stood up politely as she made to leave. "Excellent. I am sure we will speak again soon. Welcome aboard."

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