“Group” Therapy

Posted on Thu Dec 14th, 2023 @ 12:39pm by Lieutenant Kurt "Berlin" Vogel

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: Group Commander’s Iffice
399 words - 0.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Kurt Vogel walked slowly into the office space. Except for the desk, the chairs, and the computer, it was bare. All traces of his predecessor had vanished. It was as if no one had ever been there before.

The German noted that outside the door was emblazoned his name along with his new title: Group Commander. He inwardly admired the efficiency of the Grouo NCOIC*. It felt weird to think of himself in the new role.

Kurt mentally made notes of where to place things: pictures, mementos, Knick-knacks. He also made notes to himself on the vagaries of assuming new duties: creating new rating chains for efficiency reports, initial counseling sessions for the other Squadron Leaders. It would be a quagmire of bureaucracy for the next few weeks. Vogel wondered if he’d ever fly in the near future or if he should put a joystick on his desk.

Alongside this new position came another new responsibility; he was now a part of the Senior Staff. That meant he reported directly to the XO. Kurt became the de facto subject matter expert about all fighter operations aboard Elysium. It also meant that could have more direct contact with the Skipper.

Kurt shivered. The Commodore intimidated him. Maybe she was a warm and social person to her family and friends, but on the bridge or in meetings it seems as if she hasn’t smiled in the last decade.

Kurt decided to focus on something else. He walked out to the hanger bay, to the wall nearest his office.

“Computer, display LRTC.” The German said into the ether.

The LRTC (said as a word: Lur-tic) was the long range training calendar. It marked all major events for both the Group and the ship as a whole out to one solar year. Kurt looked at the bars and lines of various colors, taking it in.

“That training should be moved further to the right.” He said to himself. He wanted to move some other things, but was wary of trying to change too much too fast; he needed time to adjust and so did the rest of the Group.

He returned to his desk and sat in the chair. With a push of his combadge, Vogel asked for his XO and NCOIC to join him, to map out the way ahead for the Group.

{off}

*NCOIC - Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge