Those Who Can (but still want to teach)....

Posted on Sun Oct 17th, 2021 @ 3:31pm by Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Captain Garrett Lovejoy [ Taylor] & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Kyle Reece

Mission: Season 5: Episode 3: CAPETOWN
Location: USS Elysium, Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD 0 / 1134 hours
1371 words - 2.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Now that the scientists had left, Kyle was no longer needed as a babysitter. Starfleet Command had offered him the captaincy, complete with a ship of his own, despite the black mark he had recieved during the Battle of Salonia. He was very tempted.

However, in the end, he respectfully declined the offer. He told them that he still had much to learn. And a fair bit to teach. So, he requested to remain aboard the Elysium and move into the Academy there, to become a teacher in either Security/Tactical or Strategic Operations.

Starfleet Command decided to accept his counter offer, with the stipulation that, should the Elysium's Commanding Officer feel it warrented, he would still be promoted to Captain.

This surprised Kyle considerably. When he ended the discussion and closed the comm channel, he sent a message to both Captain Lovejoy and Commamder Taylor, requesting a meeting with them both at their convenience. He then waited, in his cabin, for a reply.

Garrett received the message from Kyle requesting a meeting with himself and Gary. He quickly sent a reply to both officers to meet with him in his ready room. As he did he looked over the details of Kyle's request.

Gary was back in his ready room when the message from captain Lovejoy came in. He quickly acknowledged it and shook his head. He still couldn't quite believe that Garrett was captain of the Elysium. Not that he wasn't qualified or capable but his past history of being a PIA to the crew had rubbed some the wrong way. However he seemed a changed man and Gary would give him the benefit of the doubt.

Having recieved the reply, Kyle made his way up to the bridge. As he stood outside the ready room door, he took a beat to center himself, then reached up and pressed the door chime.

From inside the ready room, Garrett's voice called out. "Enter."

The doors slid apart upon the cpmputer hearing Lovejoy's command. Once it did, Kyle strode inside, seeing the XO inside as well. He stopped a few paces in front of Garret's desk, and stood at a relaxed parade rest. "Thank you for taking the time to see me, gentlemen. I know you are both busy, so I won't take too much of your time."

"Not so busy we can't make time to hear what it is you want to talk about Kyle. So what's on your mind?" Gary asked the Strategic Ops officer.

"Well, Sir," Kyle replied to Gary's question. "As you both know from my personnel file, I have been in more thsn my share of battles. While I would go back into the fires of hell again, if needed to. However, I am feeling the neeid for a change. With your permission, Id like to take over a teaching position at the Academy."

Gary shared a look with Lovejoy before looking back at Kyle but it was Garrett that spoke next. "May I ask what brought this decision on Commander?"

Kyle considered the question. "Well, Captain, I feel that I have a wealth of experience and knowledge, which I could pass on to the cadets that are our future."

"I see." Garrett replied. "Do you not think that the bridge crew and ship could also benefit from your experience and knowledge?"

Kyle considered the question as he stood there. "While I'm sure I could help with the daily operation of this great lady, I have seen that your current crew is quite competent and works well together. I would be an old man outsider, coming back saying things like, we never did it like that in the beginning." He chuckled at his joke. "Seriously though, Sir. I would be honored to serve on your senior staff. I just feel that your cadets could use my knowledge more, possibly giving them more armor as they head out into the fleet after graduation."

"Hmmm. A good point to be sure." Garrett answered slowly. "Number One what do you think?"

Gary didn't rush to answer. He thought on what it would do for the Academy to have an officer of Kyle's caliber teaching there. "I think Kyle makes a good point, Sir. Better to teach 'em while their young and stop or correct bad habits before they start. I think he would be a fine addition to the Academy staff."

Kyle stood there, relieved to hear the praise. He then looked at Lovejoy, and waited.

"Hmmm." Lovejoy replied. While he didn't disagree with Gary's observation he hated to lose an officer of Kyle's caliber. He was quiet for several seconds before he replied. "Commander Taylor makes a good point and while I will hate to lose an officer of your caliber Commander Reece, I will authorize your transfer to the Academy. Where you can put your considerable talents and expertise to good use in teaching the next generation of Starfleet officers."

Kyle dipped his head respectfully. "Thank you, Sir. If it makes you feel any better, I'm not interested in resigning my commission. I'm simply moving to another field."

"I see." Garrett replied before looking at Gary. "Seems there is only one thing to do. " He looked back at Kyle. "Commander Kyle Reece, you leave me no choice in this matter." Garrett paused letting the silence grow before he began talking again. "By the authority vested in me and in consultation with Commander Taylor. Effective this date. You are hereby promoted to Captain." Garrett stopped and called, "Avalon?"

Kyle froze in place, uncertain if he had heard correctly. He dared barely breath, incase he was suddenly dreaming.

The AI appeared beside the Captain. "Captain?"

"Please log former Commander Kyle Reece's promotion to Captain effective this date by my authority." Garrett informed the AI.

"Yes Captain" The AI replied. "Logged. Anything else Sir?"

"Thank you Avalon. Stick around there may be." Garrett replied as he looked at Kyle. "Seems Captain Reece is at a loss for words."

"I...I am," Kyle stuttered a little. "I'm honored by this action, Sir. Thank you! I promise you, I won't disappoint you. Either of you," he looked over at Gary as he spoke. Though he now outranked the commander, Gary was still the Executive Officer and, as such, the second highest officer on the ship, rank notwithstanding.

"Congratulations Captain. Well done, very well done." Gary said honestly. It was good to see deserving people both recognized and promoted.

Nodding again, Kyle replied. "Thank you, Gary. And please, while it's just the three of us, you can still call me Kyle. My rank may be higher, but your position is higher, so I guess that makes things a wash?" He asked with a grin.

Gary nodded, "Very well Kyle and thank you." Gary replied simply before glancing over to Garrett. "Wasn't there something else Captain?" Gary gently pushed.

"Yes. Thank you Number One." Garrett replied as he once again spoke to Kyle. "Captain Reece, in addition to your new rank, you are also placed in charge of the Academy. Congratulations on this new path you undertake."

Kyle's eyes snapped back to Garrett. "Say again? You're...you're making me the Commendant of the whole academy? I...I don't know what to say....thank you, Sir!"

Avalon smiled. "Cabin change for you as well Captain. You are now on Deck
16 cabin 12W-O."

Kyle was blushing brightly. Not from embarrassment, but from excitement. He certainly hadn't expected what had just happened. "Thank you! I...this is...thank you."

Garrett exchanged a look with Gary before looking back at Kyle, "I believe that thank you, is the correct response." He grinned.

Kyle nodded and smiled. “Well, I suppose I should go start packing, move in to my new quarters and office. I’ll have a readiness report for you by end of the week, gentlemen.”

"Go get your packing done Captain and I'll be expecting those readiness reports." Garrett told the new commandant of the shipboard academy.

Kyle nodded respectfully. “Yes, Sir.” He then nodded to both officers and turned to leave. As he reached the door, he looked back.” Thank you again.” He then turned and left the ready room. He had a lot to do.