A Change of Colour

Posted on Wed Aug 23rd, 2017 @ 6:44am by
Edited on on Wed Aug 23rd, 2017 @ 6:45am

1,491 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Unknown Life, Unknown Dangers
Location: Ready Room

Hood returned to the Bridge following his ordeal with Vash, stubborn woman was blinded by the moment to see what he was trying to do. Part of him wanted to play her game, this thing was after all attacking his ship just as it was her club, would it be wrong to do as she had and fought to protect it?

When he got to the Bridge things were far from normal but the report from Engineering that Lt. Bradshaw was about to engage in an EVA walk along the hull for scans would, he hoped, yield some information as to just how far things had developed and if they still had time to stop what ever it was claiming another ship and crew. Will retreated to his Ready Room, with everything going on Ayla seemed distracted but considering the recent loss of Miracle, a loss felt by many it was understandable that her attention was fluctuating. A leave of absence was put in, instantly granted in light of the loss but it left him without a First Officer and in a situation like this he needed one.

=^= Commander Yashui, report to my Ready Room. =^=

Will had read her jacket again to refresh his memory. He knew Commander Bawden wouldn't want the role and Lt.Col Frost was a dedicated marine, not a Bridge officer.

=/\= Of course Captain. On my way=/\=

A quick glance in the mirror told her that she was put together enough to meet with the Captain. The reddish purple of a bruise at her jawline from where one of the other security officers had caught her with a spectacular punch, was a visible sign of the training she'd just finished. Fortunately she'd finished her shower before the captain had called. Shrugging, she strode to the nearest turbolift "Bridge"

Upon arrival she pressed the chime and waited.

Commodore Hood was standing at his window looking out at the starts over the spine of the large vessel. "Come."

From the reflection in the window he could see the doors part to reveal Commander Yashui. "Commander." Will spoke as he turned. "Please." His arm offering one of the chairs between them and then he noticed the bruise. "Is everything alright Commander?"

"Some hand to hand training with the newer security officers. One of them- Ensign Peperell is a natural, I don't know how they didn't find this out at the academy." she offered an absent shrug as she seated herself. "He'll be a phenomenon once I'm done with him."

"While I hate to pull people away from projects however there is something I wanted to discuss with you in the meantime in light of current events." Will sat down behind his desk. "As you know the ship has been infected by some...organism, for lack of better words." Will started. "It's attacking the crew but from all reports its mostly contained on the nacelle but it does risk growing deeper into the ship. We have turned off power in the sections closest and the warp core feeding that nacelle but that’s a stop gap measure at best."

William sighed, hardly turning out how he envisioned his mission from going. From the rescuer to the ones needing rescue. "What you may not be aware of in light of your recent assignment on board is Commander Ayla Bawden has recently lost her daughter, I won’t go into exact details but understandably she’s taken some time to come to terms with it."

"Yes sir, the plant has everyone understandably on edge." she said softly, glancing away from the pain in the Commodore's face, to the great window in the room. The loss of a child was a tragedy, and even while she didn't have any children she recognized the trauma that could cause. "I cannot blame her under the circumstances."

"Her Husband, Marc, has elected to remain on duty so that his Wife may take time for herself. Far be it for me to question the methods of a family but if that is what they feel is best then so be it." William explained as now he got to the point. "That leaves me with a difficult position, one I can ill afford at this juncture in light of the situation we face on board. I need a new First Officer." Now his gaze turned to her.

"Is that you or should I keep looking?" Blunt perhaps, but as First Officer there were many things he'd need from her in such a role and if a little bluntness was too much, so too would be the role.

"It would be a tremendous honor sir." she said, her gaze snapping back to him, scanning his face with curious hazel eyes. Was he serious about that, or was he teasing her.

"Unfortunately current events prevent the pomp and circumstance that’s typical of an appointment, so we shall save it for when we return home. In the meantime, I'd suggest changing out of your gold uniform into a red one and report to the Bridge once you are done." William felt some relief but the day was far from over and things were far from stable. "I will update your records and access accordingly. Understandably given Ayla's situation it might take a little time for them to change quarters. I've considered housing them in one of the large VIP quarters on a permanent basis."

"They won't be the only ones who will take some time to change quarters. Moving is respectfully a pain in the behind." she commented a half smile on her lips. "May I ask a question sir?"

Will lifted his hand as he sat back as if to welcome the question.

"Are you intending this to be temporary, until we get back to Earth?" she had to know for her own peace of mind, not that she wasn't stunned by the display of confidence in her, but so that her ego wouldn't be wounded later on.

"I wish I could give you a straight answer, however I have the feeling that Starfleet Command may have things to say upon our return." How could they not? An Ascension class starship infected by some organism that threatens to kill everyone on board. Not exactly an easy loss of assets for Command to accept it if went that far.

"Also, this is not my ship, we have an Admiral on board, Admiral S'iraa." William spoke. "He used to command the ship before me and chose this as his Flagship. Tall Caitian, you can't miss him be it him or the uniform."

Anika laughed "No sir I've not missed him. He's quite the imposing figure."

"To my surprise given the situation hes decided to keep to himself, though obviously he does have the right to assume command should he feel the need to so be mindful of it. In the mean time I suggest you change, the Bridge will need a whole command crew on board at a time like this." William did worry that the crew wouldn't take to the Commander and her knew role, especially Commander Bawden who manned the Tactical station.

"While I have you however, I'd...tread lightly around Commander Bawden, you are essentially replacing his Wife, a move he will no doubt not like so you may have to give him some time."

"Do you anticipate problems in that regard?" she asked quietly, making a note of the suggestion to tread lightly.

"No, however considering he just lost a Daughter and his wife has been replaced, it might be prudent to be mindful of that." At least, a problem free situation was what William was hoping for.

Her only response was a slow nod at that information. She'd have to be extra careful with him, that at least she could do. "Will there be anything else sir?"

"Not right now." Though William hoped there would be later when Lt. Bradshaw completes hes EVA along the hull. "I look forward to working with you Commander." William tried to whip up a smile but he wondered what Command would say when they got back to Earth and if...he had a Command to return to afterwards.

The smile strained as it was struck a chord in the younger woman and she offered a genuine one back to him. "And I with you sir. And if you'll forgive my impertinence, you look like you could use a break and a cup of coffee."

"Luxuries for me Commander, I have a report to compile for the Admiral to let him know what’s going on with his Flagship." A report he was nill looking forward to. "I'll see you on the Bridge shortly." Feeling that there was nothing else, the signal clear and her chance to change.

"Yes sir, thank you." turning on her heel, she strode out of the ready room, leaving the Commodore once more alone in his office.

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