No Longer the Gettysberg

Posted on Thu Jan 14th, 2021 @ 9:21pm by Captain Abigail Laurens & Lieutenant Commander Nathan Octavian

“That thing is massive. Is someone going to greet me in the bay with a bloody map? Holy heck!” Lt. Commander Nathan Octavian marvelled at the ship as the small shuttlecraft entered the ship’s shuttlebay. “What is a Sovereign? Some 700 meters? This thing must be over a 1000?”

“1061.1 meters to be exact sir,” the pointy-eared Vulcan pilot responded.

Nathan smirked and lifted his travel satchel over his shoulder “Well, aren’t you just the teacher’s pet?” The man shook his head and immediately hopped out of the shuttle upon the drop of the doors. To him even the shuttlebay looked gigantic. He started the trek and went halfway across the bay before he froze dead in his tracks, “Nobody has time for this! Computer… patch me through to the Captain… Octavian to Captain… Captain? Yes… Captain Laurens.”

Abigail watched as the tall, built frame of Nathan emerged from the shuttle, the heartiness of his voice immediately taking her back to the Gettysberg. "Your spatial awareness hasn't improved much, still not paying much attention to your surroundings?" she teased with a laugh as she pushed away from the bulkhead she had leaned against once access to the shuttle bay had been granted. "I heard you were coming in early and I just happened to be in the neighbourhood."

The man lifted his brow as he turned to face the Captain. “Well, well… If it isn’t Laurens… Captain to one of the finest ships in the fleet. How’d you swing that?” His hand rose as his fingertips gently stroked his beard. “Spatial awareness? What do I need that for? This ship has a whole department devoted to navigation and astrometrics, that’s not my jam. Besides this ship is massive. A little overkill if you ask me. I was about to radio you, request a site to site transport. The mission would have been over before I found the bridge.” He laughed some as he made his approach toward her. “Long time no see old friend. I suppose it would be unbecoming to hug the Captain?” A light smirk appeared on his lips as he stood at full attention and even saluted her instead. “Lieutenant Commander Nathan Octavian reporting for duty ma’am.”

As he saluted, Abigail leaned forward, wrapping her arms around him, her head leaning into his shoulder. "It's good to see you again Nathan," she said quietly, closing her eyes momentarily. "It's been a long time my friend."

He embraced her, his arms fell around her warmly, “Too long…” he said alas. “This certainly isn’t the Gettysberg is it?” A deep breath escaped his parted lips. “I am really to roll up my sleeves, and help you however I can. I cannot imagine losing your ship was an easy pill to swallow - but I know you. Always looking ahead. That’s what we’ll do now. Come on… show me around. There is work to be done.” His voice was gentle, almost a whisper as he moved away. Nathan enjoyed having fun, wasn’t always prim and proper; but, when he spoke it had an abundant level of sincerity.

As she pulled away, Abigail drew in a deep breath, pulling her shoulders back as she looked up at him. "You're right," she said quietly before turning and offering a quick nod to Lieutenant Matthiason, the shuttle pilot who had just disembarked the shuttle. "Honestly, I've not seen most of the ship myself. I've been here and there, but only where I've been required so far. This whole situation is... surreal."

“Surreal? I bet," he responded as he gave her an understanding nod. "You haven’t seen every inch of this ship? That’s understandable… you’re not 99! They should have called the Odyssey the Juggernaut!” He smirked again, “How about you show me my quarters and after I settle in, I’ll give you a rink and we check out a few hotspots? A little sightseeing before I help you through that mountain of paperwork I know is waiting on your desk?”

There was another laugh as she nodded slightly. "You know me well," she commented as she motioned for him to start walking toward the door with her. "Any idea how long you'll be staying with us?"

"I'm not sure really. Maybe a month or two? I guess until the training wheels come off..." He laughed, "I'm kidding. While you were moving through the ranks closer to home - I was out in the Delta Quadrant. I have seen a thing or two out here, I just hope I can be some help to you." He motioned his hand as they walked side by side to his quarters. His trusty travel satchel still over his shoulder.

"I'll have to introduce you to my Executive Officer," Abigail said as they walked along the corridor toward the turbolift. "She's a Ts'usugi, so I've been relying heavily on her to help prepare for our first mission in the Delta Quadrant, we'll be meeting with the Dalacari on behalf of the Federation..." Abigail paused and shook her head before she started speaking again. "I'll be honest, I'm not feeling very confident about this."

"Ah yes! I look forward to meeting her." He nodded as they passed through the swoosh of the turbolift doors. "Confidence is pretty important to this whole game. If you don’t think you can, you won’t." He smiled toward her, "A little ignorance can go a long way... Let's just assume we will, and we might..." He winked toward her, "If anyone can pull off the impossible, my money is on you." He looked around the turbolift, "So... Cap' where we going? I hope I have a great view..."

As they stepped into the turbolift, Abigail waited for the doors to close and gave their destination. "Deck 4," she said as she looked up at him. "You've got quarters in with the senior staff. So you'd best be behaving. The Chief Security Officer is just a few doors up from you," she added with a laugh.

"No late night parties, aye aye ma’am," he replied with a laugh. As the two of them stepped out onto Deck 4, he lowered his travel satchel and retrieved a holo data hub. He placed it into her hand, "A little entertainment. The latest holo-novel from Earth. It won't even be released until next month - but... I know a guy." He shrugged, "I know where we are going we won't be getting a whole lot of updated news or entertainment. And all work and no play is no good for anyone, certainly not the Captain... Anyway, the novel is called Bridgeton. I know how much you like those period pieces, I think this one is Regency London. Might be a good one. If you're lucky I might join you in it when we find some time..."

Abigail grinned, squeezing his hand. "Now, how can I possibly refuse an offer like that?" she asked brightly. "Sounds like fun, and you're right, I do still love those period pieces. Do you remember that gown I wore for the costume party on the Gettysburg?" she asked suddenly. "You know, I still have that... *and* it still fits!"

A small smirk appeared on the corner of his mouth. "I might need a demonstration." He paused as they appeared at the row of senior staff quarters. "We had a lot of good times on the Gettysburg didn't we? Even if our Captain was something of a Mad King." He switched gears, "Do you think the Lower Deckers still do that sort of thing anymore? Have wild costume parties in restricted areas. I don't know. They all seem so serious to me. We were never that serious. We seasoned well... but, I like to think we had more fun." He motioned his hand, "One of these quarters maybe?"

"Second door on the left," Abigail replied with a smile. "Senior staff quarters on this ship are pretty impressive. I was surprised. My quarters on the Gettysburg would fit in the bedroom here."

"The biggest and best," he narrowed his eyes. "I'll drop this off, and report to my post. Thanks for the handholding. Not going to lie - I would have certainly gotten lost." He parted and walked toward the door she indicated. "See you soon Cap."