Boys and their Toys

Posted on Wed Jul 17th, 2019 @ 6:23pm by Lieutenant Commander William Rogers & Captain Abigail Laurens & Lieutenant Jack Carver

Mission: Getting To Know You
Location: CO's Ready Room

Abigail had only been back in her office for maybe twenty minutes when she had been reminded of a scheduled appointment with Lieutenant's Carver and Rogers. It had seemed the most expedient way to make sure they were both on board with each others expectations in regards to all things flight, and even though she didn't expect for a moment that there was going to be a problem, she wanted to be sure it was sorted before they got too far into this voyage.

William had not long finished his shift at the helm and had opted to remain on the bridge checking on the progress of the Zendaya while he waited out the clock. It was still a little early, but there was nothing interesting going on with the Zendaya at present so he made his way to the ready room and tapped the doorchime.

As he did, Jack came around the corner. He offered a smile and a nod at William, joining him at the door. "Lieutenant."

William returned the nod. "Guessing you must be Lieutenant Carver." He held out his hand. "William Rogers."

"Helm chief, right?" Jack smiled, shaking the hand. "Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise." Bill grinned. "How long have you been in fighter command?"

"Enter!" Abigail called, looking up from the PaDD in her hand as the doors parted. She smiled, motioning for both of them to take a seat. "Just on time gentlemen, can I get either of you a drink or anything? I don't know about you but I'm about due for a latte," she said with a grin as she stood up and walked across to the replicator.

"Seven years, off and on." Jack answered Bill, even as they walked inside. He gave Abigail a wink and a smile, as he took his seat. "Hm. Surprise me." he answered when asked what he wanted to drink.

Bill stopped for a moment as he crossed the threshold, compelled by years of 'old earth' military training to salute the captain. "Coffee for me, Ma'am." he replied in response to her question.

Replicating the two coffees and a chai latte for herself, Abigail balanced the mugs, carrying them back to her desk before setting them down. "Right, I wanted you both here so you can each discuss your responsibilities in terms of all things flight. You're both grown men so I'm sure you can figure it out among yourselves."

"Thanks, Captain." Jack smiled when handed the coffee. "It's quite simple actually. I'm certified on flying capital ships, but have no experience other than simulations needed for certification. I fly fighters, I can fly auxiliary craft like shuttles and runabouts, as can my pilots. They won't be happy to, but that's my problem, not yours."

Bill nodded his thanks as he received his cup and sipped on it slowly while he listened to Jack make his case. He'd suspected something like this would be coming from Fighter Command the moment he'd found out there were going to be squadrons stationed on the ship. "While I appreciate the offer, I disagree with Lt. Carver's assessment. Non-fighter craft fall under Flight's remit." he smiled, kept his tone conversational and friendly. It wasn't a fight. Yet. "Besides, seems unfair to make the other fighter pilots do something they don't want to when my department has people with Shuttle Pilot as their job description."

"All fair points. I just figured I'd put the offer on the table, in case it's ever needed. Didn't mean to step on any toes." Jack chuckled softly, raising his mug of coffee to Bill. "Truth be told, I think it'd do them good, though. Fighter jocks are by nature prideful and temperamental. Would help keep 'em humble if they had to fly a taxi around every now and then. Keep 'em sharp, too."

"Something tells me fighter pilots haven't changed since I was one." Bill laughed, an unbridled outpouring of mirth, recalling is own antics, imagining what they're capable of in this day and age.. "Tell you what though, some of my lot have been slacking off on their recirtifactions. I figure we can help each other out." he raised his mug to Jack, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Whadda you say?"

"Didn't know you used to be a fighter jock? Sounds good to me." Jack grinned. "I can schedule some stick time on my ships for your boys when we're in calmer space. Like an exchange program."

"Well, it sounds to me like you all have it well in hand," Abigail said with a smile as she watched the interaction between the two. "Any concerns or issues with any of this?"

"Only about how quickly I can take the Lt up on his offer." Bill replied. "I saw those birds of his when they came in and they look like a blast to fly."

"Well, next time we have like a day of layover somewhere quiet and safe." Jack mused, considering. "Just keep in mind that my pilots are quite possessive and protective of their rides. I'm sure I can spin it so they'll let your boys have some stick time, but don't expect this to be a very frequent thing." he explained. "No questions from me."

Abigail smiled again. "Well, it sounds like you've got everything sorted then," she said calmly. "I don't believe you will be needing me to do anything more, so if there's nothing else Gentlemen?"

"Well, that was brief but productive." Jack smiled, quickly finishing his drink then getting up again. "Captain, Lieutenant." he gave both parties a nod, then headed out.