Flying High

Posted on Wed May 26th, 2021 @ 7:49am by Commodore Keiben Haistro & Commander Lillian Carter

999 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 3 - Fear Is Fear Itself
Location: Deck 2 - Mess Hall
Timeline: Mission Day 3 @ 1600 Hours

ON

The mess hall was its usual hub of activity, even more so on this occasion given they had the USS Andromeda helping them out with a plethora of Engineers that outnumbered the Copernicus crew two to one. The Captain picked his way through the crowd, in search of someone specific that the computer had told him was in there, somewhere!

Tucking his way through two groups of engineers, which wasn't easy given his size but eventually, he caught sight of the person he was looking for.
"Ensign Carter, may I join you?"

Lillian's teacup paused halfway to her mouth and her eyes went wide for a moment, but she quickly overcame the initial shock and nodded. "Captain! You startled me. Of course." Various scenarios started playing through her head, had she done something wrong? Was this about the loss of the deflector dish. Was she in trouble?

"What can I do for you?" She asked, trying to keep her tone light.

Tamaska came into view going to go pick up a cup of tea, she smiled and spoke with several crew members.

"Commander, please join us if you would!" Keiben called over his first officer, having spotted her working her way through the crowd also.

Tamaska gave a nod and worked her way over to where Keiben and Carter were seated, taking a seat herself, placing the cup on the table in front of her.

Keiben directed his gaze directly at Ensign Carter not giving much away.
"Actually Ensign it is regarding the deflector..." he noted having picked up a definite flash image of the damage during their ascent to orbit. "The damage is so severe Lieutenant Hawkins and Chief Stoun are not sure if they will be able to repair it in the field and as for being in trouble... That depends on your definition!"

Lillian's eyes went wide as she realized the Captain had picked up on what she was thinking. She took a deep breath and met his gaze straight on, standing her ground. "With all due respect Captain, I think I handled the landing and takeoff as well as any officer could have and I think it's fortunate that more damage was not suffered. We tried to anticipate for the loss of engine power but in the end, I stand by actions Captain."

"Exactly why you are no longer an Ensign on this ship, Lieutenant Carter!"
He swiftly produced a small box that he had been concealing and slipped it across the table to her sensing her anxiety, worry and professional pride spiking under the belief she was about to be punished for destroying Starfleet equipment when actually she alone had saved more lives that day than anyone else had on the ship.

Tamaska beamed, then chuckled at the revelation of Keiben. "Surprise!" reaching over and placing her hand on Carter's giving a squeeze of confidence. She moved her hand back to take a sip of tea before adding the next part. "I will agree with the Captain, you did a marvelous job at getting us out of there. And most definitely worthy of your rise in rank."

Lillian broke out into a big smile that made her look younger than she was. "Thank you, Captain, Commander." She acknowledged the arrival of the XO. "Sometimes, my mind always goes to the worst possible scenario and I have to double check that I couldn't have done anything differently just to be sure for myself. In the heat of the moment though, the decision has to be made. Wouldn't you agree?" She asked them

"Oh I certainly agree. And I have been in those sorts of positions myself, having to make a decision in the heat of the moment." Tamaska replied.

"And with that in mind as well... Have you thought about what you want from your career in Starfleet Lieutenant?"
This was a genuinely curious question Keiben had. Lilly was one of the officers, along with Sher'ra that he knew very little about, what did she want from her time in Starfleet or was this just a filler until she found her true calling.

Lillian thought for a moment. "This is my first posting out of the academy Captain. Currently, I was looking forward to getting experience flying the Copernicus. She's a tough little ship. Beyond that, I hadn't really thought about it much yet. I'm a flyer by nature Captain and I want to see what's out there."

"In that case, if you agree, I intend to give you more Command experience... what better way to see what's out there than to aim at Commanding your own ship one day!"
Something he felt very strongly about despite the implications and responsibilities that came with the job.

Lillians mouth fell open in shock and for a moment, she did a really good fish impression. She finally found her voice after a few moments. “I’d never thought about command Captain. I won’t let you down Sir!” She replied, sitting up a bit straighter in her seat.

"I think that is a splendid idea, and am behind you One Hundred Percent on that, Captain." giving a nod in confirmation on his decision. "I feel you would do well, Carter." Tamaska smiling.

"Excellent. Make sure you have familiarised yourself with Command operations and if you have any questions then come to Tam or I" Keiben turned to Tamaska for a moment. "Would you say Beta shift would be the ideal time to cut her teeth?"

Tamaska nodded, "I firmly agree with that." she looked at Lillian, "You will do well. You've showed a lot of promise, got us out of a mess. Therefore you've earned this opportunity." pleasantly smiling.

Lillian's smile got bigger. "Thank you Commander, Captain. I look forward to the challenge."

Keiben was smiling along with Lillian, having experienced her words first hand himself. A challenge it was but the most rewarding challenge he had ever faced. "Lieutenant, that is the correct answer!"

END

 

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