Changing the Chair (part 2)

Posted on Thu May 23rd, 2019 @ 8:18pm by Captain Ka'Tock & Lieutenant Commander Amber Quinn & Lieutenant Xander Oroyo DSci

1,360 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Caverns of the mind
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD 01 0900 Ship Time

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

"Lieutenant..." Ka'Tock sat up and lean closer, losing his Counselor expression for one of a Warrior. "If you wish to challenge my being put in command there are ways to settle this." He said slowly and gave a warning glance. "Call the Admiral and lodge a complaint and I am supposing if you do challenge you will be willing to take the repercussions of that decision?" He raised an eyebrow. "In the Empire or in Star Fleet I am sure that the Admiralty are over-joyed to have their decisions questioned?"

[NEW]

"I was unaware of all this going on and by all rights I shouldn't have been aware of it since I'm just a science officer," Xander said. And after receiving that glare from Ka'Tock, he relented and said, "I have no designs on the command arena, now or ever, Captain. I apologize for my misstep. So if you want another science officer, one who doesn't question but merely follows orders blindly, then I'm sure there are many more 'capable' science officers out there. So, Sir, the ball is in your court."

Ka'Tock eased his expression. "No Lieutenant, you are the best person for that duty your work is very appreciated." He sat back down. "I think it safe to say there might be a few 'bumps and thumps' as this new Command is formed." He explained and looked from Amber to Oroyo. "With that in mind would you accept the position of 2nd Officer to help smooth out my Command Chain as you are next up for promotion and I actually respect those that can speak their mind."

"Now, if you'll let me have a word," Amber said. "First, Mr. Oroyo, we talked about you stepping up as Second Officer and you are the most qualified for the job. I think you'll do well. And for you, commander, I think you're a little too quick to take offense. If you're going to run this ship, you'll need to get used to it. As a counselor, you should know better. And if you two can't get along, I'll be the one to resign and leave you to it." She knew she was being snappish, but after what they'd just been through, this was not the way to create unity among the command staff. She had enough of that with Daniel and she really would resign her post here and find another science position.

"That is why you are a wise Executive Officer." Ka'Tock said calmly. "I am not getting off to the best start as Command." He added. "Being that I should have known better and I will take advice I would have given." He looked at both Officers. "I do apologize for my over- reaction . The path to Command was sudden and I still need to have good advice to help me grow as the Commanding Officer. I hope that I can count on both your inputs to help with that goal?" He bow slightly. "I will need both of your support to make this command work and for the good of the ship I will work to think more before I react in the future. Of this you can be quite sure. I do look forward to working with you both as we venture out into the unknown."

"Second Officer? Now that's a first. I never expected to be a command officer this soon. And yes! Yes, I will take the job. I will do anything necessary to help this ship continue to function smoothly.

"And as to my reaction, I simply find it odd that a counselor be given command of a starship. And again, that a Klingon counselor be made captain of a science vessel seems triply odd to me. I'm just not used to serving with Klingons and as of yet I have not 'served' with you in the traditional sense. But I will do whatever is necessary to assist you in your assent to command," Oroyo orated. As he would be new to 'command', he knew he would have to do better by his new commanding officer. But as Commander was not new to command, she would need his assistance in the science arena even more.

Ka'Tock extended a hand to Oroyo. "Welcome to the Command Staff Mr Oroyo, it is a pleasure to have you with me. Give me some time and I think we three will make a good team."

"As we're all new at this, I think we can definitely help each other," Amber said. All three of us have a lot to learn, but I think we'll do fine."

She turned to Xander. "Yes, it's odd to have a Klingon counselor, and even more odd to have him take command, but I'm looking forward to the reactions he'll get from others."

Then she grinned at Ka'Tock. "Although you may have to teach us how to duel."

"I could use some dueling practice partners." Ka'Tock smiled. "Anytime you like?"

"I would be glad to help you with that, sir. I could use the practice myself," Xander grinned to his new captain.

"Can you imagine what the crew will think when they find out the command staff is dueling?" Amber asked, grinning. "It should become a regular activity."

"I think they will think we're insane," Xander said with a laugh. "At least, that's what I would think."

Amber grinned. "After the last few months, I wouldn't blame them. We'll just tell them it's recreational."

"No, you're probably right. These last few months have been murder on all of us. That's why I'm hoping that some time back on our home planets will do us all a world of good," Oroyo said plaintively.

Ka'Tock would have to enjoy Earth as he is not able to return to the Empire as they have logged him as 'a Glorious death in a Duel.'

"I admit that some time in Aruba could do my Son and I some good. " Ka'Tock remarked. "Or some time in France playing Musketeer." He chuckled.

"Enjoy it while you can," Amber teased. In reality, she was looking forward to some shore leave herself.

"I plan on going back to Ornara and seeing to my parents and brother. We have a lot to talk about. Not least of all, my leaving my homeworld without telling them," Oroyo said.

Amber smiled at Xander. "I hope that goes well. Your family should be proud of you and your accomplishments in Starfleet."

"Commander Quinn, it's not just my family I have to worry about. I never told my parents or anyone I was close to about my joining Starfleet," Xander said tearfully. "I have my parents, my ex-husband and my brother, if he's even home, to consider."

"Be happy you have Family; there are those that face their life decisions without any." Ka'Tock smiled. "It is often the Universal Rule that family can cause conflict but they are also the ones that forgive and support the best." He shrugged. "I am just mentioning from observations."

Ka'Tock's comment sobered Amber. She thought her relationship would lead to a family. "All the more reason to go home and tell them," she said quietly. "Ask them to forgive you for not telling them and then be happy."

"That's the whole reason why I'm taking along some help," Xander said. "Our very own Ensign Dehvon Raynah has expressed the desire to see where I come from."

"Know that I am always open should you need a chat; I am told I have a good ear to bend upon occasion." Ka'Tock smiled.

"Thank you, Captain. I, myself, wouldn't know from experience but from what I've been told you're very good at listening. You've also been known to hand out good advice on occasion," Xander chuckled. "I take it we're done as I've got a runabout to catch. And i don't want to be late."

"Safe travels." Ka'Tock added. "We shall see you upon return."

Ka'Tock now had his senior Command Chain, one task down, many more to go.

OFF

Lt. CMDR Ka'Tock
Commanding Officer

Lt. CMDR Amber Quinn
Executive Officer

Lt Xander Oroyo
Chief of Science/ 2XO

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