(Not So) Bad Times Today
Posted on Sun Jan 12th, 2020 @ 10:12pm by Captain Abigail Laurens & Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Thor & Lieutenant Commander William Rogers
Edited on on Sun Jan 12th, 2020 @ 10:13pm
Mission: Dead Moon
Abigail waited until the rest of the crew had left before she turned her attention to Benjamin, offering him a warm smile. "Sorry, I just needed to have a quick word with you before you leave this room. As I'm sure you noticed, Lieutenant Rue was not at the meeting today."
Ben turned to face Abigail, nodded and before responding meekly, "Yes Ma'am." Followed by a slightly more concerned tone, "Is she alright Captain?"
"Unfortunately Lieutenant Rue needed to depart last night, she was transferred to another vessel to get transport back to her home to deal with personal matters. Unfortunately at this point, I have no idea when she will be returning, and we aren't in a position to get new crew assigned to us." Abigail paused, giving him a moment to catch up.
Ben looked down at the floor, he had barely started getting used to the recent changes including the Mica's arrival and becoming the Assistant Chief Engineer.
"How do you feel about taking over as Chief Engineering Officer?" she finally asked.
Ben looked a little surprised by the offer the captain made, "Ma'am?" he asked with a puzzled tone, trying to gather his words.
"I need someone to take control of Engineering. Your track record is excellent. You seem to be quite proficient and skilled at what you're doing. We're about to head into possibly the most difficult mission we can ever face. I need someone to take control and make sure things are in hand." Abigail explained more thoroughly.
Ben snapped to attention, and while maintaining a straight face, trying to hide a Cheshire Cat like grin, Ben replied "Yes Ma'am, I will be happy to serve." Ben thought back to how any hope he had of reaching a Department Head role had faded away back when he failed the tests to get into the academy as a Officer cadet.
"Good," Abigail replied, a relieved smile crossing her face. "Work with Lieutenant Rogers, he has some level of familiarity with Charybdis, we need to make sure that we're ready for whatever comes along, be it radiation, plasma storms, metreon gas explosions..." She sighed, instinctively rubbing her temples with her fingers. "It's going to be a nightmare," she added softly.
"Yes Captain." Ben replied.
"Very well, If you don't have any questions, I'll let you go and get settled. Lieutenant Gunnison can assist with reassigning your quarters for you, and Commander Gail will be able to assist you with anything else that you need, but my doors are always open for you,' Abigail said with a warm smile.
Ben nodded, "Thank you Captain."
Abigail watched in silence as the newly appointed Chief Engineering Officer rose from his seat and walked out of the room, leaving her alone to ponder on her thoughts until the doors opened again.
"I'm sorry Captain, I didn't realise anyone was in here, would you like me to come back later?"
Abigail glanced briefly at the crewman. There was something familiar about him, about the voice, yet she couldn't place his face. "No, it's okay, can I help you Crewman?"
"No Ma'am, I'm just here to tidy up," he said. "I can come back later if you want?"
Abigail gathered her PaDD's and shook her head. "It's okay, please, don't let me get in your way. Thank you Crewman....?"
"Crewman Venn Ma'am, and have a nice day."
Distractedly, Abigail nodded a she started walking toward the door. "Thank you," she said as she headed out. "You too."
