If asked his opinion, Ch'dau will argue for getting the party rested and heading out in the evening as opposed to waiting for morning. Given that these undead seem more active at night, it makes sense to venture off in search of them at that time.

Added another science type and a "junior" helmsman in hopes of giving the roster some weight. Still hoping to get some more players signed up as department heads.

"Dammit Silas, I'm an OPS Chief; not a flint chipping caveman!"

I feel his pain.

Another Tochi post started... not sure who else may show up but, as close as we are to disengaging SB118, I ahve a feeling the reunion between Tochi and Eric will be a quick one (to be followed up on at a later time, of course).

...let me go and adjust the entry I made earlier. I'll still keep the entry, just move him down the chain and demote him in hopes of a warm body coming along to nab the CSO spot.

Stardate 2365.02.19
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 – Shuttlebay 1; Flight Operations Office – 1130

“Welcome aboard, Bradley,” Vaela said softly, following Tochi’s introduction, “I’m sure you and I will come to know each other fairly well. I understand we are to be sharing quarters.”

“Good to meet you…roomie…” Ens Garner replied self-consciously…

On the screen, Ens P’Tammah’s antennae twitched, a silvery brow lifted, and the faintest hint of a grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. “And you,” she nodded in the space of her pause, “roomie…”

…The new FCO turned, his eyes skittering from face to face as if he weren’t quite sure exactly where he should be looking. "Good to meet everyone really, I'm looking forward to working with all of you," he grinned into the air,  "Don't know if Commader Zai said anything about me before today, but I'm fresh out of the academy.  I'm talkin' fresh. So I'm here to learn, can't wait for y'all to show me the ropes.  Each ship has her own culture, and I'm looking forward to learnin' th' Peregrine's.  From what I can see the flight deck looks tip top, and all the shuttles are in good repair.  Love a tour a little later when Commander Zai here's done with us."

Megan, who had flopped back down into her seat after her own frenetic introduction to Garner, looked up at him, now, an impish smile dancing all over her freckled face. Awww, she cooed, managing to keep her words if not her expression contained, th’ lad’s a wee bit nervous, inn’ee? Might ’s well be twistin’ ‘is knickers… Tha’s bloomin’ adoreable!

“We’re looking forward to working with you, too, Ensign,” Tochi said, drawing Megan’s gaze away, “and we’re just about finished. Our primary reason for calling this meeting was to see to it that you were properly introduced to these fine people and welcome you to the team.”

The XO took the PADD from where it had been tucked under his arm, then; glanced at the screen, gave it a tap or two, and then handed the device off to V’Lur. The Vulcan looked at the screen, then, at Tochi and nodded shortly as the XO continued on; “The next matter we’ve asked you here for is to thank you all for your efforts where the repair and refit procedures are concerned. Given the circumstances and situations of the past week, you’ve all shown commendable professionalism and, in some cases, extraordinary restraint. Expect notations of those facts to appear in your service records. That said, we are less than half an hour away from disengaging EMS and leaving this starbase in our warp-trail, once again. If you are on duty, please carry on with our apologies for the interruption and my thanks for your time. If you are, by chance off duty, today, and wish to assist with the final shakedown and launch-prep, we encourage you to do so.

Mr Garner,” LCDR Zai said, his hands clasping behind his back as he strode for the door, calling the meeting to an end, “you are currently not scheduled for any duty shifts on today’s roster…”

“Brills an’ marvy!” Megan squeaked, bouncing out of her seat, her pale-blue eyes flashing with near unbridled excitement.

“…Master Chief V’Lur will coordinate with OPS in order to get you cycled in and will provide you with an updated duty roster later in the day. In the meantime, feel free to familiarize yourself with the ship as you see fit. We’re at T-minus twenty five minutes and counting, people,” the Trill reminded them as the door opened and he stepped out onto the catwalk overlooking the shuttlebay, “let’s make them count.”

Almost in concert with the door closing behind the XO, the viewscreen on which Vaela had appeared went dark, V’Lur turned and disappeared through a hatchway that connected this room with the adjoining Flight Control Center, and Kook and Yas extracted themselves from their seats and made to leave, themselves – each of the men sparing another second or two to briefly welcome Garner, again, before exiting the office. The two men had scarcely made it through the door before Megan, in all her unfettered exuberance, had found her way to Garner’s side and taken him by the elbow…

“Well then, Ens Garner,” the pixie-faced woman beamed up at him as she veritably hauled him toward the door, “It looks‘s ef you an’ I both’re off fer th’ day. How ‘bout tha’ tour, then, eh?” It didn’t seem like Megan had even had time to draw a breath to refill her lungs before she was guiding him along the overlook catwalk and down the gangway toward the flight deck, yet, somehow, she managed to keep speaking. “YergonnalovethePeregrine,I’dwager.She’sasmallshipbut,y’knowwha’theysay;’goodthingscomeinsmallpackages,’an’allthat!Whaddyawannasee,first?What’veyeseena’ready?Anyoneshowedyeth’AuroraAngel,asyet?Helluvathing,that!Th’Commanders’vebeenworkin’onitfermonths,now.Mean’CrewmanAdler’vehadahandinit,too;jus’elped’iminstallth’ODNrelaysb’twixtallth’sub-nodeson’er,no’aweekago!An’how’boutTh’Aerie?Beenthere,yet?Doyelikeicecream???”

((OOC: We’ll wrap this bit, right there, and let Bradley try to process all of that. Suffice it to say, Mr Garner, that you have effectively been Owened and are presently being hauled down the steps to the flight deck of shuttlebay 1.

I’m gonna grab some lunch, now… Then, I’ll be back to address Throson’s return and/or anything else that may come up, in another post.))

...that someone would join up and take the CSO role, actually. Nizrri is fresh out of the academy and probably not up to running a dept on her own. Since it doesn't look like that's going to happen, right away, though, I suppose I can add another body or two, to include a CSO. Let me do some pondering and I'll get to work on fleshing out that SCI roster.

Ch'dau have no question for monkey woman!

Ch'dau think sleep good!

Ch'dau kill dead things later!

Assuming he's not consumed with work, of course.

Regarding the timestamp... Refit is supposed to complete at 1200, Eric comes aboard at 1600... Are we in a holding pattern awaiting orders outside space dock or should we edit?

...and it looks like Bradley and Megan are "off," today!

Next post could get a little crazy for Garner... especially since I haven't really written for her in a while... it might be like letting a beast out of the cage!

I'm loving that stuff! 42 million-damn-thumbs-up!!!

Totally

Fuming enough internally, now, that it was likely starting to register on his externals, Ammpe stomped along behind the jackboot as it lead the team down yet another featureless corridor; this one ending at a blank door with a terminal set to one side.

"BEE-DEE-BEE-DEE-BEEP," Jackie states, "the mission transportation is located in the garage through this door."

Steam reached for the door handle - and received a nasty electrical jolt that knocked him to the ground.

"BEE-DEE-BEE-DEE-BEEP," Jackie spoke, "I apologize for the omission, superior troubleshooters. This door will only open to an individual that presents the mission number."

Ammpe drew in a long, deliberate breath and tried to keep from shaking his head in disbelief. He glanced at the stunned Steam, then, and almost smirked… See what happens when you put blind trust in robots even if they were sent by Friend Computer; bless his holy circuits… He lifted his hand to rub at the back of his neck, then, the smirk dissolving into something more of a scowl… And what’s this about a mission number? Were we given a mission number? I remember a Team number but not a…

“MAO-17859 Dot R-2,” he heard Blowz recite before he could even finish thinking the thought.

…OOOOOHHHHH!!! He winced as Blowz toppled to the ground next to Steam; That had to sting! You don’t get a smell like that if you’re holding back current. If you all would give a Team Leader time to think, maybe…

"BEE-DEE-BEE-DEE-BEEP," the rustbuckobot prattled. "Clearly, my communication circuits have failed you, oh wise ones. MAO-17859 Dot R-2 is your team number. You must present your mission number. Please, allow me to deactivate the door."

…MAYBE I”D GET A CHANCE TO FINISH A THOUGHT THEN SPEAK AND WARN YOU OF STUPID MISTAKES YOU’RE ABOUT TO MAKE!!! Ammpe wasn’t entirely sure, now, that the ozone smell was coming solely from the air around him; in fact, he was pretty certain his brain had just fried in much the same fashion as Steam and Blowz. As Jackie moved to interface with the door, the PS clone pressed the palms of his hands tight against his ears and scrunched his eyes shut to keep any sparks, smoke, or smell resultant of his apparent power-shortage to escape…

"BEE-DEE-BEE-DEE-BEEP, you may now proceed safely,” the bot buzzed, as Ammpe became convinced that his head hadn’t blown apart and nothing was leaking out of it, “I hope that no lasting harm has come to any of this esteemed team."

…Me too! Ammpe grumbled internally, letting go of his head and opening his eyes in order to follow along safely as Jackie lead them to the waiting transport. When they reached the obviously modified craft, he eyed it with no small amount of uncertainty. Sure, he thought, that looks completely safe and standard. I’m not sure I’d even know…

 "BING! Welcome, troubleshooters. I am the new, perfected Alpha-19.87b Friendliness Hoverbot. Please watch your step while boarding."

The door swings open, and the hoverbot sweetly speaks again. "BING! Welcome aboard. All mutants are traitors! If you are a traitor, please inform me so that we can reroute to the nearest confession booth."

"BING!" it continues. "Please designate a pilot for our journey."

…how to drive one of these… DAMMIT! STOP INTERRUPTING ME!!!

Scratching his head in thought, and knowing that he would likely fail miserably if he tried to pilot the craft, Ammpe gazed at the thing for a moment, then looked in turn at each of his teammates. Steam was an army clone, he determined, and army clones had experience in piloting dangerous vehicles, didn’t they? Sure they did! That makes sense! “As team leader,” he spat out as quickly as he could in hopes his thoughts wouldn’t be interrupted again, “I appoint Steam-R-LLR as our pilot!”

Stardate 2365.02.19
USS Peregrine; Deck 4 – Shuttlebay 1 – 1125

“…aside from time in grade, the ensign has maintained a spotless service record, maintained or exceeded all qualifications, and has performed the duties of her station above and beyond expectation. I hereby submit this recommendation to promote Vaela P’Tammah to the rank of Lieutenant (Junior Grade).” As the turbolift door opened, Commander Zai tapped the PADD’s screen and sent the endorsement he had been recording through the proper channels.

Stepping of the lift and onto the flight deck, his gaze lifted from the screen and spotted Ensign Garner standing just a couple of meters away; the kid’s eyes skimming curiously over the cavernous shuttlebay. Tucking the PADD under one arm, Tochi grinned and closed the distance between himself and his new FCO. “Hello, again, Ens Garner,” the Trill said, coming up behind the young man, “Looking for the Flight Operations Office?”

((OOC: Assuming, at least, an affirmative&hellip)

“Right this way,” Zai nodded, gesturing toward the gangway that led up to the bay’s Operations and Observation mezzanine. “We see you’ve found your way here, easily enough,” the XO continued, leading the way up the steps, “Always a good start. We’re sure it won’t be long and you’ll be able to find your way around the ship blindfolded…”

USS Peregrine; Deck 4 – Shuttlebay 1; Flight Operations Office – 1126

“Any idea what this all hands is about, Master Chief,” Yas asked from his seat in one of the chairs that surrounded the office’s small conference table, “The Commander sounded a bit hurried.”

“I cannot say that I know for certain, Mr Yasuo,” the Vulcan standing stiffly at one end of the table replied flatly, “However, if I had to speculate, I would deduce that it likely has something to do with roster changes…”

“Joo,” SCPO Kukkonen grinned across the table at Petty Officer Owen, “and, perhaps, about how he keeps finding your hair all over the CONN, pieni.”

“Oh, you c’n jus’ go ‘head an’ shut up,” Megan shot back amidst the chorus of chuckles that erupted around the table, “I keep this mop bloody well contained when I’m onna bridge!” The spritely little woman offered up a giggle of her own as she gathered up her mass of curls and wrestled it into a ponytail. “I cannae b’lieve tha’ Tiny’s rotated out, a’ready. He weren’t with us but a week an’…”

=/=Maybe he got tired of bumping his head on everything,=/= Vaela interjected over the comm screen, her antennae faintly flicking in amusement, =/=or having to grease himself in order to get through the hatchways.=/=

Another round of snickering went around the table, at that, and had just begun to fade away when the door opened to admit Tochi and a young-looking, sandy-haired human wearing an ensign’s pip on his collar.

“…and this is what we have come to call the Flight Ops Office,” the Trill was explaining as he ushered the ensign in. His gaze swept the faces gathered around the table (and the blue one that appeared on the wall-mounted monitor) and he smiled faintly. “You’re all here,” he said as the door whispered shut behind the kid, “Good.”

“No place we’d rather be, Commander,” Megan chirruped, her bright gaze running over Garner for an instant, “Who’s this, then, sir?”

Tochi’s grin widened. The little shuttle-pilot’s enthusiasm was infectious as ever. “Well, Megan,” he beamed, resting a hand on the woman’s shoulder as he strode past, “that’s the purpose of this meeting, isn’t it?” He drew to a stop next to the stoic Vulcan standing at the head of the table, turned, and gestured toward the kid standing by the door; “Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to Ensign Bradley Garner; our newest Flight Control Officer.

Mr Garner, this is the USS Peregrine’s Flight Control Department,” Tochi continued, waving vaguely at the assemblage. “This rather stern looking fellow to my left,” Zai indicated the bronze-skinned Vulcan at his side, “is Master Chief V’lur; our chief flight systems specialist and, at any given moment, my eyes and ears in Flight Ops…”

“Ensign Garner,” V’lur nodded curtly, “Welcome aboard, sir.”

…Tochi indicated the Japanese man sitting on the far side of the table, next; “Chief Petty Officer Seto Yasuo; our other flight systems specialist…”

Chief Yasuo stood, smiled, and reached across the table to shake Garner’s hand. “Welcome aboard, sir,” he said, pumping the ensign’s hand, “Feel free to call me Yas.”

“Most all of us do,” Megan interjected.

“Thanks to you,” SCPO Kukkonen quipped, prompting the elfin red-head to poke her tongue out at him.

“…If there’s anything you need to know about any ship in the galaxy,” Commander Zai continued with a faintly amused shake of his head at Kook and Megan’s banter, “Yas is your man.

Next,” the Trill gestured to the burly, bearded man seated next to Yas, “Senior Chief Maarti Kukkonen…”

“Tervetuola, Ensign,” Maarti nodded, offering a friendly smile and a welcoming nod, “I suppose you’d better get accustomed to calling me Kook; Megan will have you doing it before long, anyway.”

“Well, b’cause ye are,” Megan teased, “an’ a big ol’ groombly bear, ‘s well!” Without waiting for the Commander to introduce her, the effervescent little woman bounced to her feet and thrust out a tiny hand. “Hullo, Ens Garner,” she squeaked, “I’mPettyOfficerOwen…Megan…MeganOwen.Mean’Kook’reshootlepilotsbutwedoaweebito’timeonnabridge’swell.Et’sgoodtaemeetye,sir.Efyeneedsomeonetaeshowyeaboot,jus’lemmeknow,sir!”

Across the table, Kook was chuckling at Garner’s first exposure to Megan’s rapid-fire verbosity; “You’ll get used to that.”

“Or you won’t,” V’Lur intoned.

Commander Zai simply shook his head and snickered. “In case you missed any of that, Mr Garner,” he offered, “that’s Petty Officer Megan Owen. She and Senior Chief Kukkonen are our primary shuttle pilots but both of them are certified for bridge duty and will be serving shifts at Helm. She’s very happy to meet you and would also be happy to show you around the ship, should you care for a guided tour.

Finally,” Zai said, motioning to the pale-blue face of the Andorian woman that appeared on the viewscreen, “Lie… er…” Tochi cleared his throat, smiled a bit sheepishly, then continued; “Ensign Vaela P’Tammah; our Assistant Chief Flight Control Officer. You may have seen her at the CONN when you were on the bridge just a bit ago.”

On the screen, Vaela’s expression morphed from curiously surprised to presenting a congenial smile as her gaze flitted from Zai to Garner. “Welcome aboard, Bradley,” she said softly, “I’m sure you and I will come to know each other fairly well. I understand we are to be sharing quarters.”

((OOC: Okay… cutting it off there in order to give crowe time and room to react/respond. Room for interjection/interruption/interrogation throughout, of course. Backposts and frontposts as needed.))

Until such a time as Vaela's promotion is addressed and/if she's assigned new, single accommodations, Vaela and Garner are roomies.

...and, typically, assigned more military-type missions. I could see where the two junior officers per suite could extend up to Lt(JG). *shrugs*

Anyhoo... like everything else, this morning, I'm just obsessing about what probably amount to inconsequentials... Ancestors curse my overactive mindhole!!!

"Ensigns share a suite. Accommodations include 2 bedrooms with standard beds, connected by a living/work area. A washroom with ultrasonic shower is located off of each bedroom. Two computer displays and a personal viewscreen are located in the living area. Pets are allowed.

Starfleet personnel from the rank of Lieutenant JG to Commander are given one set of quarters to themselves (they do not need to share)... Single officer accommodations typically include a small bathroom with an ultrasonic shower, a bedroom (with standard bed), a living/work area, a computer display, a personal viewscreen, and provisions for pets."

Now, while officers above the rank of Ens do not need to share, the write up goes on to say that officers may request that their quarters be joined in order to provide a larger living area... I guess, in the end, it's up to the Ops Chief or Command staff.

I was reviewing the roster and updating the logbook, this morning, and one of Ens Garner's posts got me thinking about crew quarters. Per the Crew Quarters Systems write up on ACTD, Ensigns typically share quarters (2 ENS per suite). Currently, our rsoter shows a total of 5 Ensigns assigned to the Peregrine, sooooo, it appears, one lucky junior officer will be getting a billet all to him/herself. In my mind, I'm almost seeing the quartering looking something like this:

Ens Garner and Ens Farb share a suite (both males), Ens Blackmon and Ens Jenneric share a suite (both females), and Ens Maize gets to "fly solo" (as I think she's been aboard longer than the rest).

Alternatively (assuming gender of the occupants doesn't really matter as they each have their own bedroom and share a living space) they could be assigned like so: Ens Blackmon/Ens Forb (both TAC/SEC); Ens Jenneric/Ens Maize (different depts but already familiar with one another); Ens Garner (flys solo since he's newest on board... but, since Vaela's promotion technically hasn't been addressed, just yet, it could be that she and Garner will be sharing quarters temporarily since they're both Flight Control Officers).

Make sense? Any objections? Does it really matter?

Are you volunteering, Keeper? Or does someone need to be voluntold?

I've added a couple entries to the logbook for 2365-02-19. With any luck, I'll manage to keep up with these better than I have in the past.

Sorry... those whirling blades just instantly made me think "Oooooh... clone slaw!"

Technically, operations covers A LOT of ground where it's officers and staff aboard starships, bases, and spacestations are concerned. Members of the operations division may have specialized in a ship or base service, administration, or military operations, or served as staff officers. Operations officers included engineers, security and tactical, and some service specializations such as communications. Operations division personnel also filled administrative posts as yeomen, personnel officers, and portmasters.

Requisitions, in this case, would apply to coordinating with starbases for items that may need replenishment during visits to starbases (from torpedo casings/warheads to entire modules of the ship that may need to be reconfigured/replaced for whatever reason). As to the "catering specialists," you are correct, in a sense, since most food is handled by replicators, there is technically no need for this position in general; however, in situations such as when Peregrine had the Rytain and Kuldar delegates aboard and hosted a reception for them, our "catering specialists" were responsible for seeing to the menu and preparation/presentation of the event so as to do away with the need for each individual attendee to visit the replicator one-by-one, etc... The food was replicated, put together, and displayed "buffet style." The same sort of thing would apply to similar larger scale events - formal staff dinners, etc. Also, abaord the Peregrine, at least, a catering specialist serves as "host/hostess" in The Aerie (our ship's version of 10 Forward) and is responsible for programming the menus and such, there.

Now, that being said, you're right - there is no critical need for catering specialists and such (especially as a full-time position). Those NPCs listed as such in our roster are really your standard OPS personnel who happen to have specialized knowledge/training/talent in planning and preparing events such as those mentioned above and don't have to spend all day, every day tending to "catering concerns." 

In the end, Giddy, OPS is run however Lt Nyle sees fit (unless, of course, it conflicts with the Captain's orders), so, you do what you'd like with it.

See the entry for Operations Officer at Memory Alpha for more info.

This stuff is morbidly comical! We're all soooooo dead!

...and a soft toss for Crowe, to boot! (No pun intended.)

Toch has called an all hands for FCO personnel and will be arriving in Shuttlebay 1 presently. This is where he'll introduce Ens Garner to the rest of the department (and, quite possibly where Megan fixes him with one of her nicknames). Following that, Crowe, be prepared for a one-on-one with Zai.

Got "grandbaby duty" happening, right now, but have ideas for "fluff posts" from Kook and Megan, at a minimum, to come. If those don't go up tonight, expect them sometime tomorrow. (Crowe has informed me that he's out of town and likely won't return until Monday, anyway.)

For everyone else - If you see fit to "run into" Tochi on his way to said meeting, feel free! He'll be happy to speak with any of you.

Stardate 2365.02.19
USS Peregrine; Deck 2 – XO’s Office – 1120

Following Lt Tal’s departure from his office, Tochi returned her water glass to the replicator alcove and, then, situated himself in the chair behind his desk. Taking up his teacup, again, he glanced at the chronograph, sipped, sighed, and then stroked a finger across the console on his desktop. Following a multi-tonal chirp from the computer verifying that it was recording, the Trill indulged in another sampling of the tea and, then, proceeded with his log entry…

=/=Executive Officer’s Log; Stardate 42165.7 – I have just had my first real interaction with Lt Kara Tal, the Peregrine’s new Chief Tactical Officer, replacing Lt Berk. Her service record is, for the most part, exemplary – there are some minor blemishes, of course, but, who of us aboard can boast a truly spotless jacket – and, considering the time she has spent on medical leave, she seems more than competent and up to speed on the current protocols and practices of her station… *soft chuckle* … She may even be a light year or two ahead, given the haptic interface she utilizes. I don’t believe we’ve ever seen anything quite like it and it should prove interesting to see what benefit it brings where Tactical is concerned.

The PTSD diagnosis, annotated in her medical records, was addressed in our meeting – that particular topic having been initially broached by the Lieutenant, herself – and, as of this entry, we do not see cause to be overly concerned by it. Lt Tal, however, does seem to be of the opinion that said diagnosis is more than cause for scrutiny from Starfleet Command as well as a certain K’Tal, whom she referred to as her mentor. Despite the proficiency and promise documented in her record, the lieutenant displays a certain lack of self-confidence that, if left unchecked, may prove to be an issue. It is possible that this may simply be resultant of the length of time that she has been in active and, once she gets back into the day-to-day routine of being a line officer on a starship, her confidence will return. It is also my hope that Lt Tal will be the last officer we have in the CTO position for quite some time; we go weary of the turnover rate the Peregrine has experienced of late, particularly where department heads are concerned.

Speaking of which, now that Captain Drake has been returned to command, I feel we may, at last, have the time and opportunity to meet with and welcome aboard the other transfers who have come aboard in the past few days. There are quite a few and, as I have been the acting CO of this vessel in that span of time, we have been unable to tend to this task in the manner to which we have become accustomed. It is doubtful that I’ll be able to speak with all of them before we disconnect from Starbase 118 as that is schedule to happen in less than an hour and, I’m sure, Captain Drake will want me at the helm when we do. I do, however, hope to have all introductions and briefings completed well before Command levies us with a new assignment.=/=

The log entry completed, Tochi tapped at the console once more and then leaned back in his seat, lifting the cup to his lips and draining away the remains of the tea. As the last of the vaguely cinnamon and clove flavored liquid was swallowed, he recalled the brief interaction he had had with his new helmsman…

Flashback – Bridge – 1056

“Commander Zai?”

At the sound of his name, Tochi glanced back over his shoulder, expecting a crewman or somesuch from engineering to be there, requesting him to sign off on yet another workorder from repair and refit. Instead, he was greeted by the grinning visage of a fresh-faced human kid garbed in the reds of Flight Control. Even as he rose from the seat at his console, the Trill’s mind shuffled through the transfer requests he had reviewed… Gardner, is it, he pondered as he got to his feet, No. That’s not quite right… too many letters… Gard… Garner… It’s Garner, right?

“Yes,” Tochi acknowledged, out of his seat now and eyeing the freshly pipped Ensign, “I’m Commander Zai.”

"Hi, er, hello, sir.  I just wanted to introduce myself."  The sandy haired kid said, juggling between trying to salute and shaking hands. "I'm Ens. Garner.  Bradley.  Brad- Ens. Bradley Garner sir. I'm your new Flight Control Officer."

For the fraction of a second, Tochi himself got caught up in the juggling act but, quickly, got control of the situation and caught the kid’s had as it waffled between salute and handshake, catching the young man’s hand in transition, clasping it firmly and holding it in place for an instant. “Welcome aboard, Ensign,” he said, a congenial if somewhat distracted smile on his lips.

“I just got on board an hour ago, my assignment said I'd be taking over for Ens. Thomason,” the kid prattled, “Just got it… that is my assignment, last night....Sir.”

“Right,” Tochi nodded, letting Garner’s hand go, “We’ve been expecting you.” A playfulness came to the Trill’s smile as he looked the kid over; “We certainly won’t have the problems fitting you at the CONN that we did with Thomason.”

Ens Garner looked a bit perplexed by that statement but recovered quickly. “Anyway,” the kid said, the puzzlement on his features quickly overwritten by a crooked smile, once more, “I don't mean to bother you when you're on duty and all, I just thought it'd be good to come up and put a face with a name.  I'm sure we'll talk lots later.  I'll let you get back to what you're doin'." He paused, "Sir."

“Very good, Ensign,” Zai grinned, “We appreciate your checking in. We’ll be talking with you, again, soon, I’m sure.”

Tochi watched as the kid turned away and sauntered back toward the turbolift. We imagine Megan is going to really like that one, he chuckled inwardly…

Present – XO’s Office – 1123

Again, Tochi glanced at his desk mounted chronograph, grinning at the memory of his first meeting with Ensign Bradley Garner… It might be pushing the limits of our timeframe, he mused, but what the frill!...

“Computer – Locate Ensign Garner.”

=/=Ensign Garner is on Deck 4,=/= the computer’s soothing voice responded, =/=approaching Shuttlebay One.=/=

Perfect, Zai thought, hauling himself out of his seat. “Computer; Issue an all hands call for Flight Control and Ops personnel not currently on station: ‘Rally at the Flight Control Office in 3 minutes.’”

=/=Acknowledged,=/= rejoined the computer as LCDR Zai returned his empty cup to the replicator and made for the door, =/=Message transmitted. All flight control personnel requested in Flight Ops; 1126 Zulu.=/=

... for Tal and Zai. I just edited it into the OOC post that Josie made earlier.