The Talk

Posted on Thu Nov 3rd, 2022 @ 9:32am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Commodore's Ready Room
Timeline: Just Before Start of New Mission
690 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Gary stood outside Phoenix's ready room door. He had talked to Lia and others, gotten their opinion on whether he should take command of the Arizona. Now he was going to talk to Phoenix not just as his commanding officer but also has a friend and who also probably had a better insight to what he was dealing with.

He straightened his tunic and brushed away invisible lint and pressed the door chime and awaited admittance.

"Come" Phoenix called looking up from her Padds. She smiled as Gary entered. "Captain. " she said brightly. "What brings you by?"

"Was wondering, actually hoping you had a few minutes to spare. Need your opinion." Gary answered coming to stand before Phoenix's desk.

"Of course, have a seat." she said pushing the paperwork to the side, happy as she always was to get it out of her sight. "What do you need my opinion on?"

Gary slid into the chair and got comfortable before he spoke. "The Arizona and becoming her CO. I've talked to Lia about it about and got her opinion on it and I'd like to talk to you about it and get your opinion."

"Ah i wondered then this would come" She smiled. "Gary, you should have had your own command years ago. And you know it. Hell, you should have been XO to some old grizzled CO close to retirement, so you could have taken command of the ship. But you got saddled with a wet behind the ears kid. I think Arizona would be a great opportunity for you."

He smiled at her reference to herself. "You were never wet behind the ears, Phoenix, you just needed some seasoning, and you got it and look at you now. In addition, and for the record I never felt like I was saddled with you. " He finished, flashing a smile of his own.

She merely inclined her head. "Thank you but seriously Gary, its a wonderful opportunity for you. And for Lia as well."

Gary nodded, "It is, and Lia says she'll support whatever decision I reach but...." His voice trailed off for a moment and then he continued. "Her words say one thing but her eyes, they really are the windows to the soul. They say another. She's happy here and I think us leaving would really be upsetting to her."

Phoenix nodded. "And it would upset you as well?" she asked

Gary was slow to reply and then he looked across at Phoenix, "Yes, it would. I view the Elysium as home and the crew as family. We've been through so much together and always stayed united. Oh, we've bent and been stretched but never broken, this crew is amazingly loyal to each other."

"Yes," Phoenix agreed. "But even family members need to leave home eventually."

Gary nodded his head in agreement at what Phoenix had said. "That's true." He admitted and continued by saying "Eventually."

"Well just as long as you are ok with staying Gary, a posting like the Arizona do not come along often"

"I know, believe me I know. However I told Lia that I wouldn't second guess my decision or doubt myself over whatever my decision will be." Gary answered.

"And you have made it?" She wanted confirmation. "because if you go, I need to make a call on a new XO"

Gary gave her a cryptic smile. "Well, I know which way I'm leaning." He admitted.

"Well make sure i have time ok? Thats all I ask if you are leaving."

"Of course, I would never leave you hanging. I will give you plenty of notice. I promise you that."

Phoenix nodded with a smile. "Very well"

Gary nodded, "It's all down to me now. I've heard the opinions and thank you for yours. It was very insightful and helpful."

"Good Luck Gary. I mean that." Phoenix said honestly. "Whatever you choose you know it will be the correct course."

"Hey, thank you taking the time to listen and give me your opinion. It's what I needed. Thank you in your confidence that I will make the right choice." Gary answered sincerely.