Topic: Star Trek: The Scales of Eternity Subject: Team Building............a Collab C2P & Ody
Stardate 2365.04.19 Lt. Ried, Personal Quarters
The gloom in John’s mind only felt darker as he sat staring at the glowing screen of his com port.
For the past few days strangers had been coming aboard the Peregrine, twenty seven strangers.
Strangers saluted as he passed.
Strangers came to attention when he entered the Ward Room.
Stranger’s names were placed on duty rosters.
John had reviewed the jacket of the six new replacements to the security department. He had met Ensign Kustrar, introduced him to Chief Brook and teamed him up with Ensign Blackmon to review the ship. He has seen to it the five new crewmen were presented to Chief Brooks for department orientation and assignments. That left one more stranger to meet.
In preparation for the new CTO to transition in he had opened the service jacket to familiarize himself with his new department CO. Two things stood out as he read, the officer was an Orien and a large portion of the information was redacted. There was no personal information prior to her entry into the Star Fleet academy and most of the service information was redacted as was much of her medical records.
Orion’s were not common in Star Fleet, they had been more for slave trade and piratcy. The females were said to use the pheromones they excreted to control the males around them.
Now John’s new CO was both.
On the screen was the research he found on Oriens that seemed to often confirm the rumores. But John didn’t live by remorse and reminded himself of the family creed, “I believe...that all things change but truth…. “. He would soon enough learn the truth.
Stardate 2365.04.19 USS Peregrine, Deck 2, Officers' Quarters - 1448
Navigating the halls of the Peregrine was less of a feat than the Calypso in terms of size, as a Saber barely compared to a Steamrunner in that department, but the ship was brand new to her and that made locating Zhay-la's quarters all the harder. Deck 2 seemed to sprawl on forever, hardly helped by the ongoing repairs and shuffling labels on doors, but given that she had doubled back twice now, it seemed impossible a task to find her suite.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Zhay-la was only thankful she had omitted her luggage on this trip; trailing up and down the hallway with her bags, even for how few they are, would have been an extra workout she didn't need. Though them sitting in the loading area on the Starbase was hardly better. Forget it if any of the crewmen wandering about looked in and saw her knife collection...
The looming dread of having to answer questions on why she had 235 knives was quickly washed over by relief at the sight of another humanoid on the Deck. Zhay-la half-sprinted towards the male figure, noticeably in a yellow Starfleet uniform, and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me," she said, hoping this encounter would be brief and helpful. "I'm looking for the officers' quarters, specifically the CTO's. Would you happen to know which room that'd be? They haven't gotten around to updating my nameplate, I'm afraid."
John turned and saluted, “Lieutenant Taissud, I was hoping to meet at the gangway, but your ETA was not posted... I am Lieutenant Ried, your ACTO.”
Zhay-la took in the pips on the officer's collar, his large frame, and the steely look in his eyes. He at least looks to be in shape, she appraised. Better than the ACTO on the Calypso. She returned his salute as she attempted to recall the dossier she had read on the Peregrine's stalwart lieutenant.
Remaining formal in his manner, “Your quarters are on starboard passage way, forward nearer the Captain’s and XO's…..I had heard from Ops that you had not left any instructions on decor so I saw to it the room was cleared and simply freshed.”
"Clean and sterile works just fine for me, lieutenant," she assured with an air of gratitude. In truth, she had little in taste or decor to offer any more requests than basic amenities. Maybe this posting she could change that...
Turning toward the fore John walked Lt. Taissud door of her quarters that was off the aisle. “I have taken the liberty to also have your office refreshed also. The CTO’s is across from the Ward Room in the Security Section of level 5...If you wish I could provide a tour of the ship.”
"Clearing my belongings from the gangway first, then a tour, please," the Orion requested. She gave her suite a cursory glance, mostly interested in seeing how stark it would continue to look even after she moved in. "Walk with me, lieutenant," she halfways ordered to Reid.
“Sir we can have Ops deliver your belonging to your state room, when they are sorted we can have your office items transferred. Tapping his com badge, “Operations, Chief Palmer.”
=^= “Operations here.”=^=
“Lieutenant Reid here… Lieutenant Taissud has boarded; her effects are by the main gangway, would have them delivered to her stateroom?”
=^= “Yes Lieutenant that will be taken care of immediately. If you are with Lieutenant Taissud please inform her we will be contacting her soon to arrange completion of the transfer paperwork.”=^=
“We will relay the message, thank you.”
Turning back to Taissud, “When you have sort your effects we can have Ops deliver your office material to your office in the Security section….let me show you a bit of Peregrine. The bride is up on deck one so I see little need to go there now, so let us go to level 5 then work our way back?”
Taking the now familiar route back to the turbolifts and the docking port beyond, Zhay-la walked with her hands clasped behind her back, eyeing her ACTO out of the corner of her eye. "I appreciate your thoroughness, lieutenant," she commented after a moment. "From your service record it seems I can expect much the same on the bridge. You've been with the Peregrine since her launch, correct?"
“Thank you, Sir.” John acknowledged the compliment. “Actually Sir I have only been aboard a year. I was previously assigned to the USS Mandela for about four years.”
John hoped the Lieutenant didn’t think his demeanor wouldn’t seem too stuff but this was his new CO and she need know he respected Star Fleet’s choice and that respected her..so far.
They entered the turbo lift, “level five”.
When the doors slid opened John direct them to the security section. “May as well get business out of the way first….this is the Ward room.” As they entered Chief Brooks was manning the watch desk. Chief Brooks is an African American with a lanky build. He keeps his head clean shaven. The Chief rose and saluted. “Chief this is Lieutenant Taissud our new CTO.”
Returning the salute, Zhay-la gave Brooks an appraising look before the name came to her.
“With your permission, sir…As you were Chief.” John nodded to Reg, “The Chief has been on Peregrine since Lieutenant Commander Zai brought her from the Utopia Planetia Shipyards Saber Project. He has been a most trusted advisor and the Chief runs a tight ship. I am sure you will find most valuable in any situation.”
Zhay-la offered Brooks a small smile and a nod, pleased at the glowing review. "I look forward to seeing you in action then, Chief."
Looking about the room, “As with most Ward Rooms this is where your staff will gather for both formal and informal department meeting.”
Pointing to a large picture on the wall of a bird with wigs fully spread and talons extended in attack, “ That is the Earth bird that the ship is named for, that is a Peregrine Falcon. The Peregrine is also one of the toughest and fastest birds of prey. So we have a lot to live up to.”
The Orion stepped forward, skimming a hand over the mural. It was an impressive beast, especially for the more... boring animals she had seen from Terra.
John allowed Zhay-la to take in the room for moment then continued. “Your office is across the passage.” As they exited the Ward Room he point down the passage,” The brig, Armory and phaser range are down that way, your office is here,” as they cross the passage.
Zhay-la hummed her approval. "Appropriate accomodations. The Peregrine is looking especially good. Do you know if she received any upgrades with the restoration effort?"
John replied with a short "no," and Zhay-la gritted her teeth. She could abide by his formalness - the Academy certainly did their damndest to instill it in their officers, from her experience - but her patience was wearing at the impending questions. Her race was clear and she knew the large redactions to her dossier always rose questions - Shaw had had several questions for her while Zhay-la was her Chief of Security - but if she could preempt that, it would be ideal.
"Step into my office, Lieutenant," Zhay-la didn't quite command but left no room for argument. She pressed her lips together as they entered the sterile space, taking a seat on the desk rather than behind it - maybe inappropriate, but she hoped to appear more approachable than sitting behind a desk with "Chief" on the plaque would inspire.
"I'll take a shot in the dark and guess that you've read my file," Zhay-la opened with. "And seen that I'm hardly a 'typical' Starfleet officer, let alone that I'm Orion." She sighed, readying herself for the routine a decade in Federation space had prepared her for. "I'm aware of my people's penchant for slavery and general barbarism, also that we are not Federation members. I've no illusions that my dossier, for all its redactions, hardly inspires confidence either. I've a... checkered past and make no excuses for it, but I also don't let that stop me from serving with pride in Starfleet." She looked to her ACTO, expression stern but not unkind. "I trust that the concerns you have can be assuaged by this little speech until you can see me in action, Lieutenant?"
Stepping into the CTO’s office John noted the air of informality that Lieutenant Taissud was attempting to display. “Sir, permission to close the door and speak freely?”
She nodded her assent, commanding the door closed herself.
“Lieutenant, it is my job to prepare myself and my crew for a change in command. I read as much of your packet as my clearance allows; I found it… concerning. There was little to no information prior to your attending Star Fleet academy. Your rise in rank is not unusual but your movement from assignment to assignment seem to accompany medical treatments with redacted causes.”
John watch the Orion tense as he enumerated transfer from the Stalker, the Ulysses and the Niagra with various injuries. He continued, ”There were numerous reprimands redacted that I would guess followed the same timeline.”
John could see that Taissud’s jaw was clinching and her breathing was becoming heavier, but the Lieutenant remain restrained.
“Then you transferred to Starbase 40, a marked change in your career and status began to unfold. You had rapid promotion to Lieutenant JG and then to Lieutenant along with command positions of responsibility.”
John let that hang for a moment before continued. “ Some could say that kind of rise could be attributed to the ability of Orions to use their natural chemical discharge to influence others.’
John knew he was pushing it and the narrowing of Taissud’s eyes warned him he had nearly gone too far.
“This crew is..was in top shape before the incident. Now we have to rebuild half of it. So little is known of Orions other than the rumors and stories that it will put you at a disadvantage. Some will jump to conclusions…. as I nearly did.”
John watched for a reaction but the Lieutenant held her calm, ”Good,” John thought.
“Your commendations that companied your rise tell me you have been defeating your demons. That along with I hope that you do not take offence to my candid remarks or my delving into your packet. Not doing so would not be doing my job. My duty is to Star Fleet, my Captain, my crew and my CO. We need to rebuild a department that is ready, willing and able to step into harm’s way to protect and defend Star Fleet and this ship…. I have only been with this crew a year and you are the fourth CTO I have reported to in that time. I hope you will stay longer; your leadership, talents and skills will be needed to pull this department together again. And I hope I can learn from you… Sir.”
John tried to hold his calm as he awaited a reply.
Zhay-la's eyes flicked back and forth over the ACTO's face, trying to gauge at what he was aiming for here. She was rather ticked over the insinuation of her pheromone ability getting her to this place, but spouting off about that anger did little to help her here. So, she said tersely, "Allow me to clear the air on two issues, Lieutenant. There is nothing on my record before Starfleet because I had nothing before Starfleet, and everything I have earned since joining has been of my own merit or with the promise of making it worthwhile later. I intend to do that here, on the Peregrine, whether you and the rest of the entire crew believe in me or not." She took a breath to calm herself. "I can appreciate someone who does their job thoroughly and makes use of that. Pending his approval, I had already submitted to Captain Drake to have you promoted to Chief of Security. Enjoy the title, Lieutenant."
John saluted as Zhay-la approach, "Sir, I only know one way to do this job.... I will always tell you the truth; I will always tell you exactly how I see things and I will always have your back."
With that, the Orion made for the door, intending to pick up her own belongings before Ops could upset her knife collection across the ship.
Posted on 2021-03-01 at 19:45:53.
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