Meeting the New Captain
Posted on Thu Aug 25th, 2022 @ 10:02am by Lieutenant Commander Rin & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson
Mission:
MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Lalor's office
548 words - 1.1 OF Standard Post Measure
It hadn't been that long ago when Rin had first walked down this corridor and chimed on the CO's office door. But this time, as she was bade to enter, it wasn't Lovejoy who awaited her, but Captain Lalor.
Rin stood at attention. "Lt Rin, reporting as ordered, sir."
"Ah yes," Phoenix waved her to a seat. "Please have a seat Lieutenant. Can I get you something to drink?"
"Water is fine, thank you," Rin answered reflexively as she took a seat. She was a little less formal this time around. While she didn't know Lalor, she did have sense of the crew. She wasn't in entirely uncharted waters.
Phoenix got her a glass of chilled water, handing it to her as she sat down at the desk. "How are you finding your time on the Elysium so far Lieutenant?"
"Good, sir," Rin replied, sipping her water. "Technically speaking, this is an astounding ship. Personally, I have fine people in my department getting me up to speed. Reconfigured my office for more efficient work. Made a few friends, which is not the easiest. Brought along an old one, which I think is making it easier. Have had a few intrapersonal issues, nothing for you to be concerned with. I bring up bad memories. People are adapting. Most have been welcoming. Was there anything you wished for me to specifically address?"
"I am glad that the crew is making an effort Lieutenant. The crew is very close as you would have seen, and it is something I have worked hard on, along with Commander Taylor that the crew all feel like this is home. Any concerns you have you can bring to me without reservation." Phoenix paused "I do have a question for you though, Your Department, crew wise, are there changes or more crew that you require? I want to make sure it is staffed to what you believe is appropriate."
"Actually, I think we're overstaffed in terms of expected productivity, so I am having crew expand their training so we may address a wider array of tasks. Without a CIO, I believe the department suffered from the lack of central organization. If we can integrate as a team more efficiently, then we have
the resources to expand."
"So what resources will you need to assist with the expanded training?" Phoenix asked. The Captain was an operations officer before her promotion so was interested in how things could be done and utilized.
"First phase is cross training within the department," Rin answered. "Help everyone understand what their crewmates are doing and fill in gaps if one occurs. But I would also like us to have more involvement in general mission debriefings. Let us be more directly involved. We may see patterns others don't and can ask questions others may not think to ask."
"That is totally understandable." Phoenix said "We have not had a hands on Intelligence chief for a while."
"May I ask why, sir?"
"As to that I am not sure. We just cannot seem to keep them around."
"Understood, sir. Is there anything else?" Rin asked.
Lalor shook her head. " No Lieutenant but please keep in mind my door is always open."
"Yes, sir. Thank you," Rin gave a crisp nod and exited the office.
By Captain Samuel Woolheater on Thu Aug 25th, 2022 @ 2:31pm
I'm not sure why, just yet, but this post here reminded me of the time I had to go to the Principal's Office at elementary school. There were really only two punishments. The first was "pole duty". Having to spend your recess period by standing near or arm wrapped around the pole (a load bearing support bar, vertically orientated to support the weight f the corridor roof outside). In this way, the ladies who had nothing better to do with their days then show up at school and make sure wee chillen' did NOT enjoy their playtime. They gave them the lofty title of "recess proctors". But every kid knew their real power as witches. With one look they could condemn you to "the pole" for another recess or for even straying from the pole. Wicked, bored people. One learned early on that in order to avoid "the pole" one must be stealthy, craftier and more cunning. The hunted became the hunter. And while us chillen' lost many a battle; we won the war and were matriculated (fancy term for emancipated) from the clutches, yea...the crucible, the fires of youth...Elementary School.
The other only real punishment was the Principal's Office. BBbrrrr......I can still hear the hand cfranked mimeograph (Google it!) and the smell of the blue ink making tests, permission slips and...grades. The "King" of Royal Oaks Elementary School was a warlock that was masquerading as a Principal. Luckily, his powers ended Friday afternoon and only regained them on Monday morning. Our parents never knew what true evil was. So. Some minor infraction. Perhaps a wee commentary on Friday's fish sticks. Maybe putting chalk inside the erasers? Or the most egregious, turning the record player from 33 and 1/3 rpm to 78 rpm for the "Show and Tell" debrief. Ohhhh.....I was on to their little charade. It was all a spy mission. They had no life of their own and so we had to tell them all about ours. You think it was easy going up to show and tell after the kid whose Dad is a cop or the girl who go to fly in a hot air balloon? What was left for me? Bite the head off a chicken???
Anyway...your post reminded me of all those dreaded times...lets just say they were many, where I got a paddlin' from the good ol' Board of Education. A plank of wood - most likely from some slave ship - that had been worn smooth on the wee asses of many an innocent kid. Thanks to me and my ass, they had to replace the wooden board with an aluminum whiffled one.
And, I rather got the sensation, that that's what is going on in this post? It's like a visit to the principal's office. All of the angst, the terror, the cold glass of water (for your bum after it's red freakin' hot from the paddles!!) and the overall sense of you may have done anything wrong...this time. But I've got my eye on you. IDK why, but your post brought back all of those memories.
Some of those teachers; were the best I ever had. To be a teacher then or now had to be an act of love. Because it certainly wasn't for the pay, or the prestige. I'm sure that all of your teachers saw things in you that you couldn't see.
And I get that from this post as well. That the Captain has her wheels turning and Rin doesn't even see it. It's in all the things left unsaid. That you allow us, the reader to fill in. Nicely done. And no paddles anywhere.
The other