An unexpected development

Posted on Tuesday 28 May 2019 @ 17:04 by Captain Melody Jones

Mission: The New Collective
Location: Captains Ready Room
Timeline: After Getting Answers
594 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Melody sat at the Captains desk. There was a PADD sat in front of her. She had read it several times before deciding on a course of action. She pressed her comm badge.

"Ensign Rathburn, please report to the Ready room. Immediately."

"Yes Commander" Bree responded, keeping the Well sonofabiscuiteater to herself. Nothing like trying to hurry and get things ready for the away team and someone wants ya. ""Hey James, can you finish this up for me, I'll be back shortly." Seeing the nod from the officer that had been helping her knock out a few things, she took off in a half jog/half run.

Of course as she went, that nagging worry hit her.... what the hell had she did now? Her pace quickening as she drew closer, only to skid to a stop reaching the ready room. A fleeting moment to catch her breath, refocus herself and try to think positive before she touched the door chime to alert the Commander.

In response to the chime Melody called our "Come!"

The door opened. "Come in Ensign and sit down, we have something need to discuss."

Long smooth strides carried her in, and to the seat before the Commander. Crap, they'ed read her background again and decided she wasn't going to be a fit for the job on this ship. Or had she messed up something already? Or had.... Gah, stop it Bree! She suddenly reminded herself as she took a slow deep breath to hear the woman out.

Melody took a breath before continuing "Lieutenant O'Hara has resigned her commission. She's decided to peruse a life as a civilian. As of now, you are the Chief Engineer of the Merlin. Congratulations Ensign." Melody broke into a warm smile as she extended her hand.

Well didn't that just cause a blinkity blink as she looked at Melody with a slight cant of her head. Her mind swirling as she tried to process the information bomb that had just been dropped in her lap. Hand... oh hand... Reaching out to take the offered hand as she finally broke into a slow hesitate smile herself now. The shock still somewhat flowing though her, she'd gotten so used to getting dropped down that now it was slightly surprising to get bounced back up. "Thank you Ma'am. I... I... won't let you down."

"Good Ensign. I know this must come as something of a shock but I'm sure you'll rise to the challenge. What is our current engine status?"

"It does Ma'am, but I can handle it." She said with a smile. "Lieutenant O'Hara was working on the last bit of Engine work, though I want to run a diagnostic test on it to make sure it's all cleared before I say anything definite, if that's alright Commander." Yep, being in charge now, Bree wanted to take no chances of something screwing up.

Melody nodded. "Very good Ensign but I want full warp speed available should we need to make a hasty retreat. I'll let you return to you work. Keep me informed."

Rising, Bree gave a slight nod of her head to the XO before she stepped from the chair. "Yes Commander, I'll let you know as soon as the test are done and the ship is ready to go." With that, she let long strides carry her out and back to work.

OFF:

●●● Commander Melody Jones
Acting Captain / Executive Officer
USS Merlin

● Ensign Breana Rathburn
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Merlin