Start at the very beginning

Posted on Thu May 30th, 2019 @ 5:46pm by

2,469 words; about a 12 minute read

Mission: What Stalks The Night
Location: Earth/Valkyrie

Pulling her hair back in a hasty pony tail, Amélie laughed as she reached for his hand again, the two of them running toward the transporter lounge. "I told you we'd be late," she said with a laugh, "and it is totally NOT my fault!" She glanced at her wrist before realising that her watch had been packed in with the rest of their belongings that were likely already transported to the ship. "How much longer do we have?"

Alain knew this would happen, running late even through all the planning. "5 Minutes." He spoke thankfully catching a rotating clock in the grounds as they ran towards the transporter lounge. "You know, you could always come work in the Kitchen again with me if Starfleet doesn't work out." He mused with a grin on his face as the pair ran.

"You know neither of us would ever get any work done at all," she said with a laugh. "It shouldn't be too much further, I think it's just over there," she slowed her pace slightly, gripping his hand tightly. "I'm nervous," she suddenly said, pressing her free hand to her stomach as though she were trying to still the butterflies.

"You will be fine, this is what you spent all those years training for. It's what you wanted." Alain was was proud of his wife for what she had accomplished and now she was Chief Counsellor on board the largest ship in service. "I'm sure you will fit in fine with your fellow officers and be a vital member of the command team." He was trying to be supportive and encouraging as best he could as he followed where she was leading him.

"And if it all goes to hell, at least I have you, and I'm sure I can remember how to wait tables," she said with a grin. "Come on, it should be that building just over there." A minute later Amélie pushed open the doors to the transporter lounge, still holding his hand as she stepped in and gave her details before being ushered straight through ready for immediate transport.

"Im sure the Cadets miss you already, I can remember the faces when they learned you were married and off the market." He joked. "Sales plummeted." Then he smirked as he was lead, by his Wife through door and room alike.

"Well then it's a good thing I only ever had eyes for one man," she said with a smile as they stepped up onto the transporter pad.

AFter that everything happened with surprising speed. Transport was completed and they arrived on the Dreadnought to the news that their arrival was expected and their belongings had already been taken to her quarters. She was handed a PaDD with her quarters assignment and duty shift details as well as access codes and everything else she needed to get settled in. A junior officer had been assigned to show them to their new quarters and then they were left alone to settle in.

Standing in the middle of the living room, Amélie drew in a deep breath and looked around quickly. It was definitely spacious enough. The fact that they were married afforded them family quarters and the Dreadnought was definitely not lacking in space. "I'll have to start unpacking later, I need to change into a uniform so I can go and check in with the Captain."

"I'll start unpacking, I need to make sure my things are ok and let my new employer know that Im on board at some point." Alain had managed to find himself a position as a Chef at a small newly opened restaurant on the promenade. While the establishment was smaller than what he was used to it would prove a stepping stone for what ever the future held. First thing he did was what any Chef did, unpacked his knives to make sure they were ok. Any Chef worth his weight had a set of knives worthy of the quality of food he was preparing and as such, didn't like anyone else touching them.

Amélie shook her head, laughing as he went straight for his knives. "I think sometimes you love your knives more than you love me," she teased as she picked up a small carry bag and headed toward the bedroom to shower and change.

"My knives have helped me make some great food for you young lady." Alain spoke as he packed the knives away. "Besides, you two share one thing in common. Nobody touches both but me."

She smiled. While some may have considered his possessiveness almost overbearing, it was something that she loved. Not even ten minutes later Amélie returned to the living room, freshly showered and dressed in a clean uniform, her long hair cascading down her back as she started brushing it out. "I shouldn't be too long with checking in, and I don't start my first shift until tomorrow so I can help unpack when I get back?" She smiled, tossing the brush onto the couch as she started to braid her hair quickly. "You don't need to do all of it."

"I'll do what I can, but ok. Remember, smile, confident, steadfast." Offering words of encouragement as she prepared to meet the new boss, or at least her boss. "Any thoughts on dinner tonight?"

"I'm sure the replicator will be just fine," Amélie said as she secured her braid and tossed it back over her shoulder. "Kiss me for luck?"

Alain walked to his most beautiful Wife and with hands cupping her cheeks placed thee most delicate of kisses upon her lips and smiled. "You wont need luck my love."

Kissing him back softly, Amélie smiled as she pulled away. "I shouldn't be too long... I'll see you when I get back?"

"See you then." He watched her leave and then returned to unpacking what would become their new home

=/\=

The walk through the ship took longer than she had expected, mainly because of the size, and the fact that she kept getting distracted by things that were going on around her, but she made it, somehow still a few minutes earlier than her scheduled appointment.

Standing outside his office, she paused, smoothing back her hair and tugging down her jacket before pressing the chime and waiting for his response.

Will was at his desk looking over things, things he knew he'd be looking at and referencing again and again later on until he was settled and more familiar with the ship. While he missed the Ascension, the Valkyrie was a whole new type of vessel and so it felt like the two would be taking the time to get to know how the other worked. When he heard the chime to his door sound he looked up from the report he was engrossed in. "Enter."

Taking a deep breath, Amélie steeled herself before walking into his office. "Captain," she said brightly as she walked across to his desk. "I'm Lieutenant Amélie D'Aramitz, your new Counselor? I was told to report to you when I arrived." She held out her hand as she smiled warmly.

Will stood up to greet the young lady that walked through his door. "Captain William Hood, welcome to the Valkyrie." His hand grasping hers in a friendly yet professional shake. "I hope the recall didn't impose too much on any free time you might have been enjoying?" He offered a chair for her to sit in while he sat himself.

Taking the offered seat, Amélie smiled as she shook her head. "No Sir, not at all. It was nice to be able to spend some down time with my husband, almost like a mini vacation, but I'm also glad to be here. The Valkyrie is impressive. I have to admit, I almost got lost a few times trying to get to your office," she said with a laugh. "I understand she's a new command for you?"

"Yes, a big difference to my previous command." Will spoke as he sat back in his chair. "Is the Husband on board with you or he staying planetside?" Will asked.

"Alain is a civilian Sir," Amélie explained politely. "We were lucky enough that he was able to get a position here as a chef at one of the new establishments on the promenade so he came aboard with me."

"Yes thats going to be a new thing, shops, a promenade. I've had a few establishments on my previous command but nothing to this level of scope." It would take a little getting used to but he understood with over six thousand people on board, they needed things to do.

"Well your average starship doesn't house well over six thousand people," Amélie replied with a gentle smile. "I'm sure it will be a huge adjustment for you, getting used to such a massive ship. Lucky for you, you have me here to assist with the transition," she finished with an easy smile.

Will called up her service record and gave it a read. "So why here?" He asked. "Why the Valkyrie, I'm sure there are postings out there that might suit a family woman better than this one?"

"Why not the Valkyrie?" Amélie countered with a smile. "I think the ship has amazing potential. The concept of a ship like this is really something incredible, and honestly, I feel lucky to be part of her history from the ground up."

"Have you had any experience with large numbers of people?" Six thousand people was a lot and could be overwhelming.

"Honestly? No, I haven't, but I am not one to shy away from a challenge." Amélie paused momentarily. "This change is going to be a mammoth change, not just for yourself but for your crew, so I think having someone good at dealing with people is more important than someone who's dealt with lots of people, and I might be new, but I can guarantee you'll not find anyone better than me, Sir."

"Most of the senior staff came from the Dreadnought, but there are going to be a lot of people that are new, and pilots especially once they get to meet the new CAG and how he runs things." Everyone knew and expected that there would be some hotshot pilots thinking they are going to be the next ace having been assigned to the ship.

"I expect that there will likely be a period of adjustment while everyone gets used to their new positions and new duties. There may be some flared tempers along the way, but it will settle down quickly enough. There will be a lot of testing boundaries and possibly even some resistance. Change is not always something that comes easy." Amélie paused, crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap. "It will be fine though, I have no doubt. These things will resolve themselves quickly enough, especially if your senior staff are on the ball."

"Well you should probably meet the First Officer and the rest of the senior staff since you will no doubt be working with them. You will want to touch base with CAG since his department houses the largest contingent of people within it including pilots and support staff." Will spoke knowing since this was essentially a carrier it was only prudent to have a large fighter wing attached to it.

Amélie nodded in agreement. "My first duty shift has been scheduled for tomorrow, but if you prefer I can get started this afternoon," she offered.

"I think tomorrow should be fine, gives you time today to tour the ship and get somewhat familiar with the various locations. I know its going to take time even for myself but for something this size I think time while we are in orbit is something we have plenty of." Will answered as he waited for something to come in that resembled orders and not routine reports.

"If time permits, having these things sort themselves out before we break orbit would be beneficial, especially as it allows easier access for replacement crew should it be needed, you know, through death or other natural attrition," she replied with a grin.

"In an ideal world I would agree with you, but on a ship like this, I can only hope for idea but plan for worse." Will spoke knowing that he faced similar issues with the Ascension, the Valkyrie was far larger.

"That's really all you can do in any situation Captain, we all want an ideal world, but instead reality has a way of coming up and biting us on the bottom when we least want it to. All we can do is learn to roll with it." She smiled as she watched him. "You have concerns?"

"The day I don't have concerns is the day the crew should worry." Will smiled. "Most of the crew will still be boarding, I'll have all your access and such set up after you leave here. I'm afraid your office is spartan in decor but I know if you contact Lt. Bradshaw he will be happy to decorate it for you to provide a more productive working environment for you."

"I'm sure I will be able to sort something out," she said with a warm smile. "Captain, just so you know, while the wellbeing is always going to be important, your welfare is paramount. A crew is only as good as their Captain. My door is always going to be open, always, any time day or night, and I do expect to hear from you." There was a certain firmness to the tone of her voice that showed that this was not something she was willing to negotiate on. She smiled again, warmly. "Aside from that, I'm sure everything else is gravy."

"Fair enough." It was going to be different having a counselor on board, a learning experience. "Well, I won't keep you any longer, I'm sure you have unpacking to do, people to meet and records to review." Just like he had prior to her arrival.

She laughed. "Yes, I've noticed that. I've had a steady barrage of documentation being allocated to me since I took the assignment. I have to admit, as excited as I am to be here, I'm nervous, but I look forward to the challenge." She stood up, tugging down her jacket slightly. "Thank you for your time Captain, but I won't keep you any longer."

"Carry on Lieutenant." Will answered, then watched her leave. It was somewhat cheerful to see someone so keen and eager, he wished that he had that spark still yet wondered if others saw that lacking in him as he did.

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