Reflection

Posted on Fri Nov 4th, 2016 @ 7:49am by

1,542 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: New Faces and Terror Beyond
Location: Captain's Ready Room

Ra walked through the doors following a difficult shift on the Bridge. He'd spent most of it deep in reading of updates and reports about the preparations being made for the upcoming mission. The crew certianly seemed capable in it's preparations and Ra was honoured to receive command of a crew so well trained from Admiral S'iraa.

Taking his seat behind his desk he gently placed his glasses on the desk and rubbed his eyes, they were tired and ached slightly but he expected it given all the reading he'd done. From the drawer he collected a very small container of nuts to sate his dietary needs but before he could begin to really enjoy them his computer told him of a routed incoming transmission. He was surprised to see when he opened the link Admiral S'iraa's face on screen.

"Admiral." Ra spoke putting his glasses back on to see the Caitian better. "What can I do for you?"

"I have some updates for you regarding your upcoming mission, they came across my desk this morning and I wanted to relay it personally." S'iraa spoke flatly, he missed command, missed his ship and crew.

"Of course Admiral." Ra could see this was difficult for the Admiral. "You will be pleased to know the crew are well trained and are very welcoming. The ship itself is as impressive as I have read about her."

"It is." S'iraa answered as he forwarded the updates to Ra. "How have the crew taken my departure?"

"Hard, but expected when a strong leader that lead them for so long departs. They have been helpful in the transition of command." Ra answered, he was glad that the crew were helpful as he was not sure how he would do if they were not on hand to help out.

S'iraa didn't want to take too much of the Captain's time up, he himself as a busy person now. "I wont take up anymore of your time Captain, please pass on my regards to the crew."

"Of course Admiral." Ra spoke with a smile and nod. When the link closed he opened the information that was sent but he also felt sorry for the Admiral as that was no doubt a difficult conversation for the Admiral too. Ra had taken his ship and crew from him and he knew Caitians were a prideful and honourable species so to lose a ship would be a blow for the Admiral.

The updates were small in nature, long range sensor probe updates, civilian sensor readings and reports on the planet and so on. He forwarded this information to the department heads and then pondered on what he would like to eat.

Elizebeth slipped onto the bridge, nodding to the Senior Watch officer and getting pointed to the Ready Room. Security /Tactical quietly overrode the RR security temporary to allow Mrs. Captain into the RR. "Hey Love." Setting a covered dish with his special nuts cooked properly into a healthy sandwich roll. "Thought I would have lunch with you." She set several dishes of food on the coffee table next to several chairs. "Come join me." Smiling at him.

The arrival of his Wife was a most welcome distraction, it was the little things that were often the best and his Wife was indeed full of surprises. "I hope you're day has been more productive than my own my love." Then another thing came to mind. "I hope, that by my taking command of this ship it has not effected the ambitions you have?"

"My desire is to see you happy in a smooth running command, whether it is small or big." Elizebeth smiled warmly at her husband. "But being entrusted the biggest ship in the fleet, does have it perks in the higher social classes. Even snooty Abigal Henderson will have to admit We've accomplished what none could pull off."

"It was a suprise finding out I was being assigned to an Ascension class. Especially since many Admiral and other flag officers would be seeking them for Flagships." Ra spoke as he relaxed more in his Wife's presence. "Have you heard anything from family or friends since arriving here?" Last he checked there were no communications restrictions in place.

"With grandpaw's ears within the 'Good Ole Boy's' club. There is a running bet to how long before Fleet CINC gives in to the peer pressure and takes away the Ascension Class from you. Or assigns an Admiral aboard the ship as his her flagship. Even Admirals whont buck a Captain in actually running a ship. They have to much other things to focus on." Elizebeth served up the impromptu meal. "Even Admiral S'iraa put in a bid to have a mobile JAG Investigation Team be placed aboard with him and his wife. He's been jumpin at any chance to return to space. It seams that his home world is putting a lot of pressure on the Federation Council and Fleet to have S'iraa to return to Cait as Fleet/Federation Liaison."

"Then I best give them no reason to take the ship from me." Ra replied though her answer confirmed what he suspected about flag officers wanting the ship. "I know being on a starship is different from a shipyards, with constantly being on the move it can make plans difficult to establish. Is there anything on board that you feel you would enjoy or maybe something to study to promote your skill sets?"

"Dear Dear. I'm fine. I have my socials every third day. I work as a Candy Striper in the Infirmary for two hours. Help in the school as a Sub and assistance when needed in the mornings. Write my letters to be sent off as a packet and receive them in two hours from now." She smiled at him. "Of course my pet project. Fashions. Got to keep up on them." She took a small bite of her sandwich.

"Keeping yourself busy I see. Should I be mindful of my chair as well?" The amused thought of his Wife in the centre chair of the largest starship in Starfleet amused indeed as he began to eat the meal that was brought to him.

"If you feel up to it, you should stop by and see both Ayla and Mark Bawden. Reports make for saddening reading and I believe they could do with someone to talk to." Ra suggested.

"Me? In command of a ship?" Elizebeth laughed softly, "You do such a fine job of it. Besides I'm married to the Captain. And if he was wise. He would keep me happy with an occasional trip to Risa." She winks at him, letting him know she was teasing him and had her full support. "That was next on my agenda."

"I have been known to be wise and generous." Ra looked thoughtful as he brushed his long moustache between his fingers regally. She smiled at the play the two of them had, little moments like this to raise the mood or tease as she often did.

"And it is greatly appreciated." Elizebeth leaned forward a bit to let him get a view of her underneath her gown she wore. "I'll check up on the Bawdens. And render any assistance they may need."

She then straightened up. "From my Socials, I've learned you have a very professional crew. Your Commanders and leaders are well chosen for the job. They take care of their people. Both Fleet, Dependents, and Civilian Specialists. They are loyal to the ship and those that serve upon this grand ship. They have endured great hardships, and the few who flew under the various Dreadnought Flags are a team that been forged in the fire of hardships, tempered with guidance of great commanders. Also the loyalty and support from the crew; peers, subordinates, and superiors."

Ra smiled and at the same time felt the warmth of her love and support for him. He knew deep down that his promotion may have been inconvenient to her, hard to settle down if a partner is constantly on the move. Todays technology meant people could keep in touch but it fell very short of being there in person. "Admiral S'iraa trained them very well, I feel sorry for him. To leave such a crew especially one he'd served with for so long and then a ship such as this. I understand his Wife Miranda has been busy keeping him distracted and focused."

"That remains to be seen." Elizebeth smiled. "I heard she was with child when they departed the Dreadnought. That ought to keep them both active and distracted." Elizebeth spoke softly. After the meal together, Elizebeth cleaned up the mess, putting away the left-overs for later.

"The trials of parenthood." Ra mused when he thought about the Admiral being a Father. "Thank you for coming to me for lunch, it was a most welcome change from reading reports on the upcoming mission."

Elizebeth stood up and gave her husband Ra, a hug from behind and a loving kiss on his cheek. "Don't work to hard." With that, she left the Ready Room with the left-overs. Leaving behind a soft scent of her perfume and trace of the meal they shared.

RSS Feed