"Change of position "

Posted on Mon Apr 17th, 2023 @ 1:52am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Kyle Reece

Mission: Season 6: Episode 2: Survival
Location: Command cabin
Timeline: MD 3 16h00
1230 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

Phoenix was cursing up a storm inside as she stood behind a table looking down at the list of crew.

Her chief of Science was loosing her mind and was removed from duty.
Her Chief of Operations was on Bedrest.
Her assistant Chief of Operations was in medical.
Her chief of flight was in medical, a victim of being beaten badly.
Her chief of tactical had died that day from injuries sustained in the accident.

Her command crew was decimated. She had to make choices and make them as soon as possible. She hit her comm. "Captain Taylor and Captain Kyle Reece to the command office please. "

Gary heard Phoenix's summons as he was out checking the food supply for the camp. Recent hunting parties had brought back fresh meat for the camp so, there was no immediate danger of running out of food. He tapped his combadge, "I'm on my way."

Kyle had just returned to the surface, from the Elysium, after working ten hours straight, trying to get the offensive and defensive systems back online and fully functional. The Elysium's current tactical team were a bunch of very competent officers and enlisted members, not that he was surprised by this fact. Elysium was the best, so she deserved the best. Through all the starships he had served on, she was his favorite.

As he stepped off the shuttle, he reached up and tapped his commbadge. "On my way, Ma'am." He then double tapped the badge, closing the channel. He hoped everything was alright, as there had been far too many senior officers dropping off suddenly. He silently prayed that there would be no more."

Phoenix waited and looked up as both men entered the empty command room.
"Gentlemen" She greeted them.

"Commodore." Gary replied pleasantly. "Why the summons?"

Kyle stepped inside after Gary did. He looked exhausted. Of course, they all were at this point. "Apologies for my appearance, Ma'am. I just returned from a ten hour shift up on Ely. I'm pleased to report that her shields are operational again, though I would advise against any combat yet. She's still hurting up there. Also, the ventral phasers on the primary hull and one of the forward torpedo launchers are back up. Though, like the shields, not ready for any real combat." He moved over to the protable replicator and ordered a large glass of ice cold Altair mineral water.

Phoenix nodded. "I will get right to the point. Lieutenant Etrara Khalten, passed away a few hours ago from her injuries. And another of the tactical officers, one Lieutenant JG Dunamis has gone missing on one of the exploratory expeditions." She stated. "This leaves the tactical department badly depleted. And Mr Reece, I am dragooning you into service. Unfortunately it will require a minor reduction in rank."

Gary listened as Phoenix told them of Lieutenant Khalten's death and Lieutenant Dunamis going missing. "Khalten's dead and Dunamis missing? Whose left with any experience outside of Malakai?" He asked Phoenix.

"One Lieutenant JG Zac Smithson." Phoenix said "And Malakai will be busy for the next week. He will not be available until that period of time is over."

Something in Phoenix's voice told Gary not to pursue this topic at this time, so he filed away any follow up questions he had. "Not much of a department right now Kyle, you've got your hands full."

Kyle listened and nodded. "I've lost rank before, it's no big deal." He then paused and chuckled slightly. "Though, it will suck to move out of my Commandant quarters, and move back to the smaller digs."

"There is not that much difference" Phoenix replied 'You'll live." She picked up a PADD. "Also, with that, you both need to be aware, that, Ensign Derani is in medical, Commander Salannia au Vantar is removed from duty, the Operations leads are in medical as well."

Kyle got serious, hearing more of the situation. "Damn. So, we are down our Second Officer- who is also the Chief Ops, our Chief Science, and Chief Flight Ops, not to mention several other junior officers." He shook his head. "Fplease forgive my poor excuse at wit, Ma'am. Now is clearly not the time." He took a large gulp of the refreshing drink, then looked at Phoenix again. "Whatever either of you need me to do, I'm your man." There was a renewed energy in his voice.

"I've heard about Arri's troubles. How are Braeyn and Miraj? I know about her beating," Gary asked. He glanced at Kyle. "We all have more work to do but we'll get it done. We just work together like we've always done. Time for the junior officers to step up."

"Yes, indeed, And Miraj is ok. The Doctor is working on it. And Security is investigating." Phoenix said.

A look of relief came across Gary's face and he nodded once. "Good, very good."

Kyle's features darkened some. "What exactly happened? I've been topside during all of this. I heard she was attacked, but that's it. You mean to tell me, a member of the crew did this?" He bristled slightly. The very idea infuriated him.

"Yes" Came the calm reply from the Commodore. "And once S'hib find them, he is going to leave some of them for me to deal with." her tone was almost evil. "I take this sort of thing seriously."

"As we all do Phoenix. Just leave enough so we can all have a turn with whoever did this." Gary's was hard, cold just like the planet they were on.

Phoenix turned to Kyle. "So, I will reduce your rank to Commander, and you will have time to get your team in order. Malakai Starr will be back to you in a week."

Kyle nodded as he listened. While he had only met the young pilot a few times in passing, she had always struck him as a professional. The fact that they were still alive proved that fact. "Understood, Ma'am. With your permission, as the Tac Chief's quarters are actually whole, I'll just stay up there to keep on top of the repairs. The sooner my girl's teeth are fixed, the sooner she'll be able to take a bite out of anyone who tries to come at us."

Phoenix nodded. "Very well" She said. "I would also suggest that you get your team up to snuff as well, and get them cross trained with Security, just in case."

Kyle nodded. "Yes, Ma'am." He then looked at both senior officers. "If you have nothing more for me...?" He had a renewed energy to get back to work, even if he was nearly dead on his feet right now.

"Go get some rest." Phoenix said. "Start fresh tomorrow. "

Kyle nodded again, some of his fatigue creeping in. "Aye, Ma'am. And thank you again for this opportunity. While I enjoyed doing my part to help the cadets rea h their full potentials, my first love has always been being up on the bridge of a starship." He looked from Phoenix to Gary and back again. "I won't let either of you down."

He then turned and left the command tent. He needed a shower, food and tell Vanessa and their newly adopted children the news.

Gary watched Kyle leave, "Looks like we have a tactical chief."

Phoenix nodded. "One department fixed. Only like 3 to go."

~OFF~