Bringing the XO up to speed

Posted on Monday 20 September 2021 @ 09:26 by Captain Melody Jones & Lieutenant Marbim Rejal

Mission: First Contact
Location: Captain's ready room
Timeline: MD1 1730
900 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Having visited the Santa Maria to view the whale habitat, Melody had returned to the Merlin and headed back to the bridge to brief the XO. As she entered she made eye contact with Rejal. "Number One will you join me in my ready room."

"Yes Mam." MIles locked his station and followed his commanding officer into her ready room. "Carrot Juice for you Mam?"

"I think I'll just have a glass of water now, I've already had a glass of juice this afternoon. If I keep drinking at that rate, I'll be hopping around the bridge before long." she replied with a smile and a chuckle. She then explained as she saw the look on his face. "An Earth animal called a rabbit eats a lot of carrots and they hop everywhere."

Miles shakes his head, "We have no such creature on Cardassia."

Melody sat down on her sofa, leaving room for Miles to join her. "So Number One, I've just got back from visiting the Santa Maria. They had to do extensive modifications to the ship to allow for the construction of the whale habitat over 10 decks. Presently there are 12 whales onboard, 6 males and 6 females. All of the females are pregnant. These are just the first waves of colonists. If this first group are settled in successfully, the Santa Maria will return to Earth and bring the next group in roughly six months time. They are also transporting a large quantity of small fish and Krill so a sustainable food source for the colony can be created. They seem to have covered all the bases.

"That's quite a lot of passengers. Have these fish, and krill you said, been tested to ensure they will survive on their new homeworld?"

"I would have hoped that would be one of the first things they did Number one." Melody replied "Otherwise they are not only going to end up with a lot of dead fish but 12 dead whales as well. Doctor Blessed and Fay seem confident that this will work and I trust their judgement. I just hope this endeavour is not in vain. This could be a bit step not only for the whales but for Earth as well. What are your thoughts on the matter?"

Miles took a drink of his tea before continuing, "I think we are living in an interesting time. We've made first contact with several new species, and are establishing an embassy on a world we never knew existed before these last few months. Although we've had a major flux in our command structure I think the crew is handling these changes fine. I also think, no, believe that they are in awe of what we have accomplished in such a short time frame. I would like to see about a promotion or at least a medal or two for Doctor Anya. She has really gone above and beyond her calling, and while she may not see eye to eye with all of us, her heart for medicine and caring for others is evident in her work."

Melody pressed her finger together. "Ahh the Doctor. I'm not sure a promotion is appropriate at this point. I had a conversation with her earlier today. After the incident on the planet which almost tore the planet apart and has left us with no diplomatic relations there, I've had to put a formal reprimand on her record but, I think after discussing it with her we both agree that she should take the bridge commanders course."

Miles shook his head, "Yes, that whole situation went from bad to worse rather quickly. I do agree with the commander's course, makes sense as she is who we see the most, and is part of our main away teams."

"She's indeed a good officer and it would be a shame to lose her." Melody said. "This mission could be a wonderful opportunity. Getting back to some good old fashion exploration. Whey Starfleet is out here."

Miles nodded, "With everything we've faced recently I feel like that purpose has been shoved aside. It will be nice to explore, especially since we are entering regions of space that perhaps no one has gone before."

Melody smiled. "Spoken like a true Starfleet graduate Commander. Is there anything else?"

"No, not really. I still have some pet projects I'm working on in various parts of the ship. I also want to talk to Scarlet about running some basic combat skill training for the officers, and those who would be on away missions. With all the fighting we're done, I've noticed that some of us have had issues protecting ourselves and each other. I get enough training running my workout programs, but others, they need some help, like Anya, but I think Scarlet is already working with her, possibly."

"Oh.." Melody added, "You're going to be in charge of the good Doctors bridge officer training and exam. Think you're up to that Number one?"

Miles cocked his head for a moment, "I might need to do some brushing up, but I think I can bring Anya up to speed."

Melody smiled. “That's good to hear Number one.”

OFF:

○●● Lieutenant Commander Marbim Rejal
Executive Officer
USS Merlin


●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin