New Arrival

Posted on Mon Jun 25th, 2018 @ 8:41pm by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Lieutenant Leah Bailey

Mission: Season 2: Mission 2: Just Breath
Location: DS9
842 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

Phoenix had been given temporary offices just off the Promenade. She had been fine with not having an office but the Station's operations personnel had insisted. So she sat in the rather small office, wishing for her nice one on the Elysium looking over the crew files. She was to put it mildly rather bored.

“Captain Lalor?” Leah poked her head in through the doorway. “I hope this is the right office...the last one was a Tellarite freighter captain who tried to steal me for his own crew. I’m Lieutenant Leah Bailey.”

Phoenix looked up. “Yes you have the right office Lieutenant.” Phoenix stood and held out her hand, earther style. “Come in, Have a seat”

“Thankyou!” Leah shook Phoenix’s hand vigorously and alighted. “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, I’ve heard some great things. And the Elysium herself...what a marvel.”

Phoenix had to smile at the enthusiasm. “The ship is indeed a marvel. A huge monolith most times but a technological marvel indeed. Unfortunately as you would have been told we are unable to be aboard her at the moment. But its only for a few days,” she sat down. “So you are my new chief of operations.” it was a statement. “Tell me about yourself Lieutenant.”

“Of course,” Leah swallowed, sitting upright. “I’ve worked in a few different places, of course my service record will show all of that. You’ll have heard about the premature endings of my last few assignments. I hope that doesn’t translate to a bad luck streak or anything!” She laughed nervously. “I suppose I should say that I love technology. And fixing things. Problems...point me in the right direction and I tend to get a bit excited. Honestly, I can’t wait to get her out there in the stars and see what she’s capable of.”

Phoenix considered the lieutenant before her. She knew the woman was older than her, but her natural enthusiasm marked her as younger. “The Elysium is a grand lady and needs someone to make sure she is looked after from an Operations perspective. I trust you can do that lieutenant?”

“Absolutely. I mean, it’s not like we’re going to hit another cosmic string…” she frowned. “At least I hope not. The last one wasn’t particularly fun. I mean, no ma’am, I know how to look after a starship. And even if you do intend her to get into a few scrapes, I’ve no doubt we can keep her running smooth.”

“I find with the Elysium, it is never what is intended that causes the issues. It’s the unforeseen events that makes people go slightly bonkers.”She smiled. “I have been on her since I was a Lieutenant in Operations. She has been through a lot.”

“I had no idea...big shoes to fill!” Leah exclaimed. “I’ll try to make sure it stays that way, sir. Once we get there, of course.” She paused. “Are the rest of the crew meeting together anywhere? Socially, I mean? I feel like it would be a good idea to get to know everyone, especially during the downtime.”

“I believe you will find the crew roaming the promenade deck in some form or other. Some have taken shuttles to Bajor or have holed up in cabins to get sleep. Its not often we have such down time,”

“I can imagine. I’ll try to keep any eye out, though with so many people on the station it might not be so easy.” She paused again. “Should I be assisting with the upgrades at all? I might be able to make the work go faster...suppose I’m just eager to get my hands stuck into the ship herself at this point!”

Phoenix shook her head “Unfortunately I cannot give permission for that. No one but approved personnel are allowed on the ship at this point in time. The upgrades are very specific and even the chief engineer has been banned from the ship”

Leah gave an accepting - if disappointed - nod. “Of course. In that case I’ll make sure I’m ready to go when the ship is, and in the meantime I’ll try to find some of the people I’ll be working with.”

Phoenix nodded. “There is Lieutenant McKinley-t’Noramei, she has been covering Ops since Ari moved to Science. She will be able to bring you up to speed.”

"Ah, excellent!" Leah perked. "And it would make sense to meet with the Chief Engineer while I have a chance, too. Thank you for the input, Captain."

"Your welcome, and welcome to the Elysium Lieutenant. I hope you find your time on her worth while." Phoenix stood.

"Yes, ma'am!" Leah declared with aplomb. Giving a rapid hand-salute, she grinned at her new CO and headed back out of the room.

Phoenix watched her go with a smile.

=/\=

Captain Phoenix Lalor
Commanding Officer
USS Elysium

Lieutenant Leah Bailey
Chief of Operations
USS Elysium