A Long Time Coming

Posted on Sat Nov 18th, 2023 @ 3:27pm by Commodore Keiben Haistro & Commander Peter Horn & Lieutenant JG Abrasax & Lieutenant Commander Hiro Sommers-Yoshida

1,367 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Episode 7: Non Seipsum
Location: Station Commanders Office

ON

He had one or two final pieces to put into motion before the end of the day and he could return home and tackle the waiting issues at home. Thankfully this would be a pleasant one. Something that was in short order at the moment across the station so he intended to revel in it.

He entered Ops from one of the service doors sitting to the side of the computer core pit under the viewscreen, nodding his greeting to the duty officer. It looked as if it would be a quiet day, no doubt taking a few days for the volume of traffic to return to normal he mused as he ascended the small stairs infront of, once again, his office. He could see that Commander Horn, Lieutenant Yoshida and Lieutenant Abrasax were present inside waiting for his arrival.

The doors parted at his approach but he immediately waved the pair to remain seated.
"Gentleman, good morning." rounding the desk and dropping down into the over large leather seat.

"Commodore," Abrasax greeted, his hands behind his back and at a comfortable at ease stance as they'd been waiting several minutes. He had much to do and was eager to get back to work.

Hiro followed Abrasax in saying "Afternoon, Commodore." and gave an ever so slight nod in Haistro's direction. He didn't feel his own self yet. The stress of the last week had left its mark as he still felt tired an on edge. Here's hoping that he'd be able to get some full nights of sleep the coming days.

"Sir," Peter answered simply in acknowledgement.

"I'm sorry to call you all here at such an early hour but we have a few staff changes that need to be addressed". He was all business, moving to the main topic. "Captain Holt has accepted a command of her own and Admiral Jackson saw fit to transfer her rather rapidly, in turn Commander Han has gone with her as has Commander Tobru to act as their tactical officer. This means we have need of a Chief Science Officer, First Officer and Security Chief".

He left the comment hanging for a moment as the realisation dawned on the three men before him before he continued.
"Up until this moment Commander D'BrooNi has acted as the stations second officer but with her duties now including the command of the Medical Ship Asclepius that is no longer feasable so... Commander Horn, how would you feel about taking on the mantle of first officer, Lieutenant Abrasax, you can likely guess where I would be going with your presence as well... Feel up to the challenge of Chief Science Officer?"

Abrasax had a momentary 'huh' flash across his face before he mentally shook it off and slowly nodded. "While I did hope to learn far more then I do now about leadership and of course scientific knowledge as I could before earning the Chief position, I do feel up to the challenge Commodore," the young hybrid stated as his mind became a storm of all the things he'd need to do once he was dismissed.

"I am honoured," Peter answered, almost humbly, "I hope I can live up to your expectations." He never really had a desire for command, but now he couldn't really let the man down now could he?

"Thank you, both of you. Although Lieutenant" the Betazoid was looking directly at Abrasax, "You will also be doubling as the first officer on Copernicus as well which will act as my flag ship" dropping just one extra layer of responsibility on the young officer.

That seemed to make the hybrid stand straighter, taller. Abrasax nodded. "I will do all I can to give you my best sir." He said carefully. He was going to need a few hours of processing time to come to terms with what just happened, he wondered if the officers with him were in the same emotional storm as he was right now.

"Finally, Lieutenant Yoshida. Given the scope and reach of the station and its repair facility Starfleet has requested that we place a commissioned officer in command of that division. It will include the upkeep of the station and its systems as well as the drydock facility... I want you to take on this role at the rank of Lieutenant Commander if you agree... It does also mean you would be stepping in as the stations Second Officer!"

All eyes now focused on Hiro, the unassuming officer that Keiben for the most part had not noticed. He seemed to get on with his work, which was always exemplary, and essentially fly under the radar. Keiben wanted to change that, and he hoped for the better.

Hiro took a few seconds to process what the Commodore had just said. This meant quite a big chance. Not only for him but also for his family. But it would also mean a further advancement of his career in Starfleet and his ability to better serve this station and, in the end, the United Federation of Planets. “Thank you, sir. I would be honored to fulfill those duties.”

"You deserve it Commander" Keiben shot back with something of a lop sided grin.

"Now... Commander Horn. I'm sure you can guess why I have called you here?"

The Vulcan shook his head as he turned to look at his commanding officer once again. "No sir, I do not," he answered honestly, "and I do not guess...sir."

"Well its a good habit to pick up especially in that of a first officer" the wolfish grin still prominent across the Betazoids features. He had to admit, this kind of pomp and circumstance around rank and position did appeal to him. It wasn't something that really played any part of his existence before being on the station.

"If I were to assume, I would say you have new orders for us?" Peter queried as he studied his commanding officer, trying to get a read from him even though the man was far more skilled than he at shielding his thoughts and feelings.

"There are a number of changes coming to the station. I will need you to be fully prepared Commander. The same for you Mr Yoshida. As for your Lieutenant, I need you to make sure to compile a dossier on the local star system, what information we do have. Starfleet wants a comprehensive run down put together. If this means we are taking Copernicus out to survey the rest of the system then so be it".
He couldn't give much away as at this stage it could tip his hand. He did need to talk to his brother though, and soon. He was going to need him in the coming days.

Abrasax nodded. "Yes sir, I will alert the Copernicus crew to prepare." He said and realised he might not get the chance to decompress all that was happening as time is of the essence it seemed. He thought, Crap, as he realised about who'd run Sciences while he was on the Copernicus and had nearly said it. So much to do and so little time.

Peter studied his commanding officer for a moment. "What kind of changes to the station are you referring to?" He finally asked, "if you care to enlighten me then I can make sure the station and its population are prepared for it."

"At this time I am not at liberty to say Commander. You will be made fully aware when the time is right". Already sensing that Horn could be an issue in the future.
"Well gentleman. I'm sorry I've dropped the bombshells and run but time is short today I'm afraid" he said with a smile by way of gently dismissing the group. "Are there any final topics we need to cover?"

At this point it seemed like the Commodore didn't fully trust them despite the promotions and position placements. Abrasax had a momentary thought flash through labelling his superior foolish as the more they knew the better they can serve. He shook his head. "Nothing sir," he said already his thoughts on all he needed to do.

END

 

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