One Hoof Forward

Posted on Wed Apr 24th, 2019 @ 8:58am by Lieutenant Commander S'hib & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson

Mission: Episode 1: Hell is a four letter word
Location: Bridge
Timeline: MD 1
721 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

Standing inside the turbolift S'hib stared at the empty corridor he had just walked down. It was a short twenty feet but had felt like walking down the entire length of the ship, Everything was coming into focus, all the years of study and training had culminated in this last step forward. "Bridge." he exhaled, trying to calm himself as the door shut and the next chapter of his life began.

"Come on, you got this." He said angrily to himself as his hooves paced up and down on the spot, The short trip in the turbolift seemingly taking just as long as the walk to it.

Snorting one last nervous sigh S'hib shook his head and mane just as the door hissed opened and he exited, Leaving his worries and concerns inside the lift. He hoped anyway.

"Good thing I know where I'm going." He thought to himself, glad to have toured the ship with a holodeck days ago.

Finally reaching the Captain's ready room S'hib chimed the door before folding his arms behind his back, Inhaling deeply as he waited.

The chime startled Phoenix who had been reading reports while Sedi napped in a port-a-cot beside her desk. "Come" she called out.

Soon as the door opened S'hib walked through, ducking slightly under the door frame before stopping and letting the door close behind him. "Captain." He said as calmly as possible, nodding his head in respect. "I hope this isn't a bad time," he said taking another few steps forward, his hooves echoing lightly off the floor as he held his PADD out towards Captain Lalor "I'm Ensign S'hib, your new security officer."

A glance to the Port-a-cot showed the baby still slept so Phoenix stood and shook her head. "No Ensign. Not a bad time. Please, come in and have a seat. I take it you have met with your Commanding officer, Commander Holmes?"

“That’s correct, we met on the station,” S’hib remarked quietly, noticing the cot as he sat down, placing his hands on his lap. “It was more of an informal meeting however, She was rather busy.” He added looking back over to the cot. “Though that does seem to be a running theme.”

"Yes, we are pretty busy despite being docked. The Elysium is always a hive of activity." Phoenix said, choosing to ignore the looks towards Sedi's cot. "I do hope you have had time to look around and get your bearings?"

“I have actually, Your crew has been most welcoming..” S’hib said softly, looking back over towards his new Captain.

"That's good. We here like to think of ourselves as a family Ensign. One that sticks together."

Nodding slightly in agreement S’hib Looked back over to the cot with a slight smile. “Family is very important to my people, We look after one another's young as if they were our own.” He added, trying to keep his voice low.

"She isn't mine, as you can probably see by the ridges. She is a crewman's child, I have known the crewman for years, and think of the child as an honorary niece." Phoenix said. "You will find that there is a lot of that throughout the ship."

“Ah, but she is in a way, Ridges or not.” S’hib said wriggling his nose and up lip slightly “You are part of her life now, And its a wonderful indication of your character.” He added before pausing as if in deep thought “Is there anything you’d like to ask me?”
He said turning back to Lalor with a big smile across his face.

She shook her head. "No. I am sure Commander Holmes will make sure you are up to date with your training and such."

“Yes, I’m sure she will. She does seem like a very involved department head.” S’hib said, pausing for a moment before continuing. “But if that is all Captain I would like to get back to my duties.”

"Dismissed Ensign." Phoenix held out her hand to shake his.

"Thank you, Captain." S'hib said softly as he lifted off his chair and Shook his new CO's hand, His four digits awkwardly grasping her fingers before he turned and left.

OFF

Captain Phoenix Lalor
C.O, USS Elysium

Ensign S'hib
Security Officer, USS Elysium