Changes

Posted on Sunday 10 July 2016 @ 20:44 by Lieutenant Commander David Tan & Captain John "Apollo" Barstow, M.D.

Mission: Old, New Ship
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Before Tan Personal Log - 239307.07
857 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Thanks to Commander Barstow, he had spoken to Lana via sub-space on the Galapagos ...

They had talked about a lot in the fifteen minutes they had, and in an hour the Merlin would rendezvous with the Galapagos to allow his wife and children to come aboard. One of the things discussed, albeit briefly, was his choice of department. In reality, he hadn't been given an option, he was appointed to the USS Merlin as Chief Security / Tactical Officer, but from the start neither he, and importantly, given his decision to remain in Star Fleet, Lana was concerned that he could place himself in jeopardy:

"That is going to happen whatever position I hold Sweetheart. It comes with the job." he had told her. but he did agree he needed to speak with Commander Barstow:

~~~~~

Stepping off the turbo-lift onto the Bridge, he could see the Commander and approached him:

"Sir, I have a request. I came to the Merlin as Chief of Security, but I respectfully request a change of Department ....... I would like to be considered for the position of Chief Operations Officer. Given the imminent arrival of my Family I think it is the move I need to make. Obviously, if you already have someone in mind, or Star Fleet have informed you that someone is available, then I will withdraw my request immediately. I have every respect for Security and Tactical, but I think there may be stronger people who could better fill that role for you." David said, waiting to hear his Commanding Officers' reply ...

John nodded and stood up from the command chair and motioned him to follow before walking into the ready room and sat on the edge of his desk, "why the change, Lieutenant?" he asked.

David looked at his commanding Officer ... He 'knew' the man would ask this simple question, but he was still somewhat apprehensive regarding his reply. Taking a breath, he forged onward:

"As you can see from my record, I joined the Galapagos in my third year ..... Not unique in any way as other Cadets have done the same and gone on to great things, but that aside, the only opening, and which the Academy felt suited my 'talents' as they put it, though somewhat vaguely in my opinion, was on the Galapagos. I did well, both graduating and rising to Department head before the first year was out, thanks mainly to the former Head moving to better climes. I then felt Operations, with the diversity, and the fact that Department Heads, at least aboard the Gal' needed to report to me was a stepping-stone I would have been stupid to pass-by ....." he said, hesitating for a moment, wondering vaguely what the man opposite was thinking, then continuing, "My role was broader, more involved, and as my now former commanding Officer put it 'A Stepping Stone' to better things. Please don't misinterpret my comments as vanity, or my thinking I was 'better' than the role I was assigned, it couldn't be further from the truth in my opinion. When I realised Chief of Operations was vacant, I felt that I should endeavour to grasp the opportunity with both hands. My Family will be here within the hour ... Lana, my wife, is understandably concerned about my, our, welfare. I did tell her that as COO it was as likely I would be required to participate in away missions etcetera, and she understands that. She isn't pushing for me to leave Star Fleet captain ....... Family concerns aside sir, I feel I would be better suited to the position. I'm not quite sure what else I can say." he finished, resisting the urge to shrug as he waited patiently.

Apollo nodded and scratched his temple before setting his hand on his desk, "well, the department heads don't normally report to operation, that must've been something the Galapagos CO instituted," the Commander explained, just wanting to be sure that it was said, "and yes, in either billet your going to be on most away teams. I don't have a problem with the move, but, you need to be sure, we can't play musical chairs with the department assignments," Barstow said conversationally.

"I'm sure Captain, and I appreciate your accommodating my request." David said, "..... and I would like to thank you for everything you did to get my Family here so quickly, I wasn't expecting to see them again until we finished the current mission." he finished.

Barstow nodded, "alright then, Lieutenant, I'll make it happen," Apollo replied and stood with a smile, "and not a problem, our mission is going to take us out far enough we may not be back this way for the better part of a year, and I know what it's like to have be away from family for long periods."

"Thank you again." David said, rising in unison with his Commanding Officer, "If that will be all, Sir ?" he asked.

The CO nodded, "no problem, and aye, dismissed," Apollo said with a smile and started back out to the Bridge.


OFF:


Commander John "Apollo" Barstow
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant jg. David Tan
Chief Operations Officer