Stepping Up

Posted on Mon Aug 5th, 2019 @ 4:23am by Lieutenant Commander Jacob "Jack" Devine & Captain S'vona Daughter of T'nare

Mission: Down the Rabbit Hole
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD 2, Time 0700

It was still early in the morning when Jacob’s transport ship arrived. He carried his duffel of belongings on to the ship and left it with the watch commander as he made the obligatory trip to check in with the CO. This was Jacob’s first command and even though he was hardly a wing commander, as a squadron leader he was in charge of all the pilots and WSOs on the Andromeda. That made it a pretty big deal.

A few of his old unit had made the transfer with him, including his own WSO, Gavin “Zoomie” Racir. Jacob was looking forward to reconnecting with everyone and getting the unit established. More than that, he was looking forward to getting back in action. He could only take so much simulated flight before he just needed to climb into the real thing and take a spin. He was dying to see what they had on the flight deck. All in good time though, right?

Entering the turbolift he called out the deck number and a few minutes later was standing outside the COs ready room. Jacob adjusted the white scarf about his neck and straightened his jacket. He wasn’t in uniform yet having just come off transport and he really hoped the captain didn’t mind. Reaching up he pressed the chime.

S'vona had gotten word that some of their new crew was arriving early this morning. Having personally welcomed a few already, she was ready to welcome some more. The watch commander had alerted her that some of the flight crew were here. When she had looked over their final manifest, she was pleased that some of his crew had transferred with him; it showed his integrity as a leader. The chime trilled, and she looked up, calling "Come."

She sized up the man as he entered. His dress did catch her slightly off guard as she didn't expect someone to be dressed in 20th century pilot fashion. "Ah, Lieutenant Commander Devine. Welcome," she said as she motioned for the seat in front of her. "I hope your journey was well."

"Well enough," Jacob responded warmly as he settled himself in the proffered chair. Truth was he had meant to arrive two days prior but the connections charted for him were all slightly off. "I apologize for being out of uniform. My transport just docked and I couldn't wait to check in and get settled and count my birds." The last was said with a twisted grin. Birds of course included the men and women assigned to them.

"Is there anything you need from me in regards to my department?" Jacob had that sense that the mission clock had started when he stepped foot on board but he didn't know how that would translate into 'shove off' time. It could be hours or it could be days.

"It is before oh eight hundred; I do rather appreciate when people have a sense of urgency," she mentioned referring to his uniform or lack there of. "You will have a bit of time before we leave: we disembark for our mission in five days. Take the time you need. We have a compliment of twenty Kanedas under your supervision now you can test out the ships and your crew dynamics. You can get with the Chief Engineer with any maintenance concerns you might have. Other than that, develop your flight plans, meld your teams and prepare for the unknown. I will have a senior staff briefing once we disembark. Do you have any questions for me?" The Vulcan asked.

"No ma'am," Jacob answered politely. "You've just told me everything I need to know for now. Five days should give us the time required to get into the swing of things." It might actually push things a bit depending on the skill level of his pilots but Jacob knew there was an on board simulator to work out the kinks. "I'll check in with the quartermaster and get settled. Once I've established command I'll see to preparing a readiness report for your perusal."

"I would appreciate that. Please feel free to contact me if you have any issues. Our Executive Officer should be aboard soon, and you will have that resource as well. Until we depart then; I will let you to it then, Lieutenant Commander. Welcome aboard." S'vona stood to dismiss him.

Captain S'vona, Daughter of T'nare
CO, NPC

LtCmdr Jacob "Hijack" Devine
Squadron Leader