Meeting the New Ops

Posted on Thu Oct 5th, 2017 @ 10:23am by Lieutenant Commander Amber Quinn
Edited on on Sun Apr 29th, 2018 @ 8:22am

768 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Cloud Surfing

ON:

It felt good to be back on a Nova class. Her first assignment had been on one, so of course there was a sense of nostalgia, but it was more than that. Amara just loved the efficiency of the design, and her familiarity with the class would certainly make her new position as Chief of Operations easier. She'd already been able to find her new quarters with ease, and while small, they seemed luxurious compared to the room she'd shared on the Blackwell as an ensign. But there would be time to reminisce (and unpack) later - her first priority was to report to the XO.

"Computer, location of Lieutenant Commander Quinn."

"Lieutenant Commander Quinn is currently in Main Science."

Amara nodded, adjusted her uniform, and set out to check in.

Amber had spent a lot of her free time working in science as they currently had no Chief. It was still her first love. It helped her focus and kept her busy.

She was currently standing on a stool arranging the top shelf.

Amara entered and observed Quinn at work. "Need a hand?" she asked, gently making her presence known so as not to startle the preciously perched first officer.

Amber turned her head just enough to see the woman. "If you could hand me the three boxes on the table, I'd appreciate it." It would save her the hassle of climbing down and getting them herself. "Is there something I can help you with?"

Grabbing the boxes, the Trill lifted up the first. "Lieutenant Amara Ozan, Chief Operations Officer, reporting for duty, ma'am."

Amber took the first box and slid it into place on the shelf, then reached for the second. "Hi. I'm Amber Quinn, First Officer and temporary Chief Science Officer. Welcome aboard." She slid the next box into place and took the third. When it was safely beside the others, she hopped down. "Come into my temporary office."

Amber went into the Chief Science Officer's office and indicated the seat opposite the desk. "Can I get you something?"

"Actually, a coffee would be great. Black." Before joining, Amara hadn't had a taste for coffee - that was all Ozan, a trait that went back to the third host, a chef. It had since become a staple. She sat and crossed her legs, making herself comfortable before accepting the cup of steaming java goodness. She savored the aroma. "Mmmm, thanks. So have you been wearing two hats for long?"

Amber took her own glass of juice and sat down. "Only since coming back to the Aurora a few weeks ago. I was the head of science and took a sabbatical to work on a dig while the ship went through a major refit. When I returned, the Captain asked me to step up as First Officer. So until we find someone to run science, I'm doing both." She took a sip of her juice and set the glass on the desk. "What brings you to the Aurora?"

"Promotion. I'd just made Lieutenant when I noticed the position become available," Amara answered, taking her first sip. "I figured it wouldn't hurt to apply, and turns out I was right. The entire experience has been relatively painless."

"Congratulations on your promotion. We could definitely use a good Chief of Operations," Amber said. "What do you hope to accomplish here?"

"Thanks," Amara smiled. "As far as accomplish? I intend to run this ship as efficiently as possible for you and the CO. It shouldn't be too difficult, seeing as the Nova class is designed for operational efficiency. I haven't had the chance to look around yet, but I've already made a priority of the ship's sensor array, what with being a science vessel and all. And I can't wait to run a diagnostic on the computer core."

Amber nodded. "The computer core was recently upgraded. It was fine a month ago whe we left spacedock, but I'd be interested to see if you have any suggestions for the sensor array."

The other woman nodded.

"I'm decent with computers, if you ever need help, but apart from that, I'm happy to let you run your department," Amber continued.

The conversation switched to more mundane matters as the two women talked over their drinks. When they were finished, Amber didn't want to keep the Ops Chief, so she took the cup and glass back to the replicator to be recycled. "If there's nothing else, I'll let you get on with your work. Welcome aboard."

____
OFF

Lieutenant Amara Ozan
Chief Operations Officer

Lieutenant Commander Amber Quinn
Executive Officer

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