Meeting the man that sits in the chair.

Posted on Sat Feb 11th, 2023 @ 10:30pm by Commander Mark Bawden & Captain Ethan De Havilland

1,290 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Mission Day 1. 06:00Hrs

Mark had arrived on board with his Wife, Ayla, and Daughter, Miracle. Ayla had stepped away from the service and Mark understood her reasons and respected each and every one of them. He himself however was not sure he could step away just yet at least but it was something he'd considered recently....recently until he found orders reassigning him to the ship he last served on. There was comfort in the known, the ship he'd served on before, knew the ins and outs of, even some of the hiding places that the stray lost kid fleeing home would find themselves in. Even as he walked the all too familiar path to the Bridge where the computer had told him the new Captain, Captain Ethan De Havilland was presently located.

Mark usually was one to do at least a cursory review of people, to get a feel of them, a reading of the service jacket that he could attune his senses to when it came to first impressions and analysis. He couldn't do that this time because the orders were so sudden. It didn't overly bother him that he was unable to do this though, he was no stranger to blind meetings and this would just be another one of those.

When he arrived at the Bridge he smiled, sure there were many new faces on board that he could see but familiar instilled calm. Walking up the few stairs to the upper levels he walked the pathway to the rear of the room where the Ready Room was located and pressed the chime.

Ethan was reading an update report from the logistics coordinator on the Starbase who while clearly unhappy and the sheer amount of supplies leaving he starbase to the vessel but also the additional workload and as a result, delays that could be expected to meet the targets outset by command. Delays Ethan could work with as long as they didn't put his departure time at risk. He was about to dictate a response when the door chime sounded. "Come."

Mark watched the doors open and immediately saw the man that was the new Captain.

"Commander, please come in." Ethan spoke once the doors revealed who it was. He pointed to one of the seats before him as he settled himself into his chair.

Mark instinctually gave the Captain a quick once over. Posture, attitude, tone of voice. "Thank you." Mark replied as he walked in and took one of the offered seats.

"I'm sorry to recall you so abruptly, the service as it frequently surprises us when we least expect it." Ethan could at that speak with a measure of understanding, considering where he found himself at this very moment.

"That's alright sir, it's no trouble," Makr spoke. "I admit I was surprised to be assigned back here, after the last mission."

"Yes." A pause. "I understand you served as this ship's Chief of Security, frankly that kind of familiarity with the ship, your experience, and your record make you the ideal person to refill that role," Ethan explained. "Our next mission has us venturing to a border region, some security issues have arisen that Starfleet would like dealing with, and with the relaunch, resupply, and recrewing of the ship they deem it suited as our first operational deployment."

"May I ask what kind of issues?" Mark asked, the need for information was obvious since he would play an element in it to ensure those troubles didn't become troubles on board the ship in any event.

"I plan to hold a briefing of the senior staff once more are on board or assigned. I still have positions that need filling so until then I can't say when the briefing will be planned." Ethan explained though the vacancies bothered him, he'd hoped Command would have done something about that prior to his arrival.

"I understand." Mark replied. He could get the feeling there was other factors in play here that the Captian was not ready or able to reveal yet, but he was patient, he had to be.

"Do you see any problems being reassigned here after what happened before?" Ethan asked the Commander, with everything that did happen he needed to know if there would be any lingering conflict or issue that might hamper the conduct of duties.

"I admit I was surprised, but I don't see any problems. A ship is a ship, size may vary but the duty remains the same." Mark was secretly looking forward to working with a large team again, always preferring to work in large groups over much smaller and limited teams. "I've not had the opportunity to catch up on things since my departure from the ship before but I'll make that my first task." Mark didn't like catch up, he didn't like discovering lax moments turning into lax cycles between his officers and teams. Security was always an important element in duty and given the ship and attention it attracts, he'd want to make sure he plugged any holes he found quickly.

"I'd like a security review of the ship before we depart, any issues you find, questions, suggestions and the like. I don't want to leave and find out we have a stowaway or that someone has gained access on board that shouldn't have." It wasn't unheard off but Ethan was not taking any chances, if the Commander's record was anything to go by he was confident he had the right made for the task.

"I'll get right to work on that, I had intended to touch on that once I got to my security section." Mark responded.

"Good. I'd also like security assessments made on critical areas of the ship. I know the general population doesn't have access to these sections but with recent events and the influx of people and supplies I'd like to make sure that everything is in order and proper." The last thing Ethan wanted was an unwelcome surprise at a very unfortunate incident.

"As soon as my access and codes are verified for shipboard duties that shouldn't be a problem sir." Mark had doubts his codes would work, he'd only just got on board and his recall only this morning.

Ethan nodded. "I'll see it's done before you arrive at the security section." Ethan added then paused. "Not right away but at some point, I'd like security to run checks on all civilian personnel on board, businesses, histories, and backgrounds. This is the first vessel I've commanded that had this unique design, especially with facilities to house this many civilians and related business ventures. I'd like to make sure everything is above board, including cargo transfers, licenses and certificates."

That, would indeed take time but Mark could understand why a new Captain would want to know the types of people he had on board his new command. "It will take some time especially with people coming and going for the next 2 days, but I can get a start on the permanent members and factor in others once departure has been made."

"I am aware I am asking a lot, but I'm sure you understand with the history this ship has and some of the..issues surrounding the last mission. Command and I want this launch to go flawlessly." Ethan spoke, hopeful but an understanding of the scope of the task he just handed down.

"I'll do my best Captain."

"Very good, then I won't keep you any longer, you have plenty of work to do as I do." Ethan stood up, hand out. "Welcome back to the Dreadnought, Commander."

"Thank you sir." Mark replied shaking the Captain's hand, his mind already wondering what this tour on board would spell out to.

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