Newest Arrivals

Posted on Mon Jan 27th, 2025 @ 4:02am by Commander Steven Greco & Lieutenant Strullinn

2,510 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Year One: Strange Bedfellows
Location: USS Moore - Shuttlebay 1
Timeline: MD 012: 1330 hrs

Commander Greco stepped off the turbolift and rounded the corridor towards the shuttlebay. He had a quicker step than usual as he moved to quickly catch up to the captain and greet their newest chief science officer. While he personally liked Harris, or at least found him entertaining, he was relieved to have a Vulcan on board as department head. He could tell that Harris was going to eventually be a handful and trouble for him like Stewart and Davaris.

Stepping into the shuttlebay, he nodded to the captain in greeting as he took his place beside him as they waited.

Stryvek acknowledged the XO's arrival. There was a small part of the Captain that became slightly irritated at the need to be present whenever new members of the Senior Staff arrived. He knew he needed to meditate as this might have perhaps been Evelyn's presence due to the bond. This bonding was a new and unique experience for him.

Aboard the Type XV class shuttle, Lieutenant Strullinn piloted the shuttle along the Y-axis of the Orion cruiser in formation with the U.S.S. Moore, in orientation to slip in behind the Prometheus-class starship, aiming directly at the shuttlebay. As he did so, an alert came across the control-panel of his craft; he had been scanned at the exact same instant by both the Moore and the Orion vessel. It was a logical step, and not unexpected. Still, Strullinn was fascinated by the astronomical odds that both ships would scan him, independently of each other, at the same moment.

His eyebrow above his left eye rose as he attempted to calculate the odds, but let it pass, since he was in a critical phase of flight. Docking a shuttle in a starship that was moving, albeit at sub light speed, while it was in formation with another vessel in close proximity, was akin to what ancient humans used to do many centuries ago, landing high-performance jet aircraft on tiny ships at sea. Both were extremely brittle by today's standards, so the precision had to be exact by everyone involved. It held true for today, too. Strullinn had to be exact with his piloting. The pilot of the ship had to be precise. The Orions could not do anything out of the ordinary in their course and heading. The operations officer in the shuttlebay had to be ready with the tractor beams to assist the shuttle on ingress, and the shuttlebay crewmen had to have the area clear for him.

As the shuttle approached the membrane-like forcefield, he could see in the control box the ops officer watching his shuttle. He also saw several crewmen working against the starboard bulkhead, moving equipment. He saw his landing zone, clear and ready for his craft. Finally, he saw an officer standing nearby, but far enough to be safe, and another just walking up to the other officer. Strullinn surmised one was the Executive Officer, his immediate supervisor, and, likely, the Captain. Which was which, he had no way of knowing just yet.

Focusing back on the task at hand, a moment before penetrating the forcefield, he could feel the tractor beams take hold of the shuttle. From this point on, he was in the hands of the Ops officer. He dialed the impulse engines back to zero, and initiated station-keeping thrusters, ready to engage should any one of the tractor beams fail. As he passed through the forcefield, the large tractor beam generator at the fore of his landing zone activated, the four from the outside disengaging. The blue shimmer was both beautiful to behold, and painful to see, even for a Vulcan with two sets of eye-lids. He averted his gaze and concentrated on his control panel. So far, so good. A few brief moments later, and he felt the shuttle touch down.

Powering down the thrusters, then the warp core, he monitored the power levels bleed off rapidly. Once it was below 30%, the auxilairy generator wanted to kick on. Manually, he disengaged that, then equalized the cabin pressure and atmospheric content with that of the Moore. Satisfied his post checks were complete, he engaged the control panel to open the doors. He stood, grabbed his bag, the PADD containing his transfer orders, and stepped out.

Steve took in the smooth flying and clear skill of the science officer as he made his approach and landed the shuttle effortless. "Not bad," He quietly commented to Stryvek as they slowly approached the shuttle. "Probably best not to tell Stewart though." He added with a small smirk for his own sake as he knew the humor would be lost on the Vulcan.

Without turning his head to acknowledge Greco, Stryvek responded. "The Lieutenant's file indicates he is an accomplished pilot." Stryvek wanted to make this as quick as possible. While having another Vulcan aboard this ship was something he knew could happen, it was not something he necessarily wanted.

Making the short trek from the shuttle to the two assembled officers, Strullinn noted the man on the left wore four pips, the one on the right wearing three, the Captain and, presumably, the First Officer. It was logical the two would meet him directly. He was puzzled, however, that the vessels' acting Chief Science Officer was not present. One would logically assume that person would also be on hand to welcome the new Chief Science Officer. Alas, it was not the case here. Had their positions be reversed, Strullinn would have made it a point to be present, and to be on hand to hand off responsibility and show the new person around.

Stepping up to the two officers and stopping at a respectable distance, Strullinn held out his transfer orders. "Lieutenant Strullinn reporting as ordered, sirs."

Steve had served long enough to know that Vulcans had their own particular rituals and was mindful to let the captain speak first and make formal introductions. Instead he simply nodded in greeting, moving his hands behind his back.

"Lieutenant your orders have been received and acknowledged. Welcome aboard the Moore. I am Captain Stryvek, this is Commander Greco, the Executive Officer. The Commander will show you the vessel and take you to your quarters." Stryvek spoke as dry as any Vulcan would, perhaps drier as there was not even a hint of emotion.

Strullinn nodded, appreciating the Vulcan Captain's efficiency. "Thank you, Captain. Peace and long life," he said to the senior-most officer, matching the tone, cadence and inclination. He then looked to the Executive Officer, waiting for him to initiate the conversation. It was only customary.

Steve nodded at the science officer and couldn't help the smallest of friendly smiles, despite knowing it would be lost on the Vulcan. "Welcome aboard, Lieutenant. If you'll follow me, I'll escort you to your quarters." He offered, nodding to the captain respectfully before leading Strullinn towards the entrance to the shuttlebay.

"Indeed welcome aboard the Moore Lieutenant." Stryvek added as the two officers left the Shuttle Bay. This new arrival was young, but at least he was not half Romulan. Still Stryvek wondered if this arrival was an indication of others to come. Vulcans had a tradition of seeking Vulcan Captains to serve with in the fleet.

The junior Vulcan nodded curtly. "Thank you, Captain. Peace and long life," he said, with the traditional gesture.

The formal Vulcan greeting used when one left was to be used as a formal good-bye of sorts. When one would not see another in some time. Stryvek knew this and believed his new Vulcan junior officer knew it as well. This was why he found the Lieutenant's use of it fascinating. Stryvek simply raised a Vulcan salute in order to save face in front of everyone. Then he allowed the new Science Chief to be taken on a tour.

Pleased that the older Vulcan and senior-most officer returned his greeting, he looked to the Commander and First Officer. "At your pleasure, Commander. Strullinn was most curious to tour this advanced starship, and be introduced to his new section. He had a great deal of thought and consideration put in to how he would be commanding his division.

Steve gave a polite nod of his head and couldn't help the faintest hints of a smile, even if it was pointless for the chief science officer. Leading them into the corridor, Greco looked at the Vulcan male. "So, tell me Lieutenant, Tell me about yourself. What was your last assignment? Unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to review your file before your arrival." The first officer offered as a way to make small talk as he lead them to the turbolift.

Following his superior officer, Strullinn clasped his arms behind his back, each hand cupping the opposite elbow. "It is understandable and logical that you did not get a chance to read my file prior to my arrival, Commander. Starfleet assigned me here, as you can see, already during a mission in progress. It is unusual for Starfleet to perform such a transfer as thus. Prior to being assigned here to the Moore, I served under Captain Streeka on the U.S.S. Hagia Sophia, an Ambassador-class starship. I served there for seven years, first as the Assistant Chief Science Officer, then as Chief Science Officer. I found it to be a most agreeable assignment. Before that, I served on the U.S.S. Bloembergen, a Nova-class starship under the command of Lieutenant Commander Bane Plase, for a total of four years. I was assigned to that ship originally as the Chief Chemist, then as Assistant Chief Science Officer. After I graduated Starfleet Academy, I was assigned to Science Station Sigma Bravo IX, and served there for a total of eleven years."

Steve nodded in understanding as he called the turbolift. "So you were assignment during the war. Were you fortunate enough to be in deep space or drawn to the front lines?" He asked the Vulcan as they stepped aboard the turbolift, calling the deck the science officer's quarters were on.

Strullinn found it most curious that out of all the topics that could be asked about, about all the discoveries and scientific breakthroughs he had been a part of, that his Executive Officer was most concerned about combat and warlike tendencies. Strullinn made the logical conclusion that humans were still very war-like, and pushed hard enough, would fight with the furiousness and determination that of a Klingon or a Naussican, and would use every tool in their arsenal, up to an including deception and cunning guile, much like a Romulan or a Ferengi, to achieve their victory and their right to life. "I was aboard the Bloembergen during the Dominion War, under Commander Bane. We saw some action, but on secondary and tertiary lines rather than on the front lines. It was a Nova-class starship, so certainly not equipped to deal with the Jem'Hadar, nor the Cardassian Obsidian Order." Since the Commander had asked, Strullinn knew it was only prudent to respond in kind. "Where were you during the Dominion War, if I may ask?"

Greco stood casually as they waited on the turbolift. "I was assigned to the Columbia," he explained about his time during the war. "Miranda class ship. I served as Operations officer onboard straight out of the Academy. I only left for the Calgary when I was promoted to first officer a few years ago. I do miss the Columbia though" he added wistfully at the memories aboard his first vessel.

Strullinn raised his right eyebrow and cocked his head to the side. "It is most illogical to miss an inanimate object, sir. The Calgary is incapable of feeling any affection for you, and certain does not "miss" you in return." The doors hissed open, and both entered.

Steve let out a slightly heavier breath than intended as he forced a smile to prevent himself from rolling his eyes at the obtuseness of the Vulcan. "It's a figure of speech, Lieutenant, nothing more. I am fond of the ship and it's crew and miss the memories I have from my time aboard."

When they reached the proper deck, Greco escorted the new officer down the corridor, bringing him up to speed on procedures for the ship, staff meetings and such. "You are actually one of four Vulcans on board, including the captain. Our chief medical officer is also Vulcan. That must be a record for a Starfleet ship, somewhere.", Steve mused to himself, before turning back to Strullinn. "Have you served with many Vulcans? In Starfleet that is. It's not that common to have so many on one ship."

There was no outward response from the Chief Science Officer on the news that there were already three other Vulcans aboard, four now that he was here. He knew, obviously, that the Captain was a Vulcan. Strullinn had assumed his posting to this assignment was to learn from the experience and knowledge of the Captain, but with the news of the others, Strullinn was forced to consider other options now. "Only one other time. The last time I served with a Vulcan was on the Bloembergen. The Executive Officer was then-Lieutenant Commander Sanehouse. He is now Rear Admiral Sanehouse. I wonder if Starfleet is plussing up the number of Vulcans on ships of the line to help bring stability, logic and order to them," he wondered aloud, not realizing how offensive he was being.

Steve stiffened up at the suggestion, feeling his jaw clench in response as he tried to keep his face neutral. He tapped the controls for the doors to the new science officer’s quarters. “Stability is always a welcomed asset in command,” He offered the Vulcan in response as he allowed the man to lead into the room. “I do hope you find these quarters suitable. Unfortunately this ship wasn’t designed with comfort exactly in mind. Though from my experience, most Vulcans are adaptable to their accommodations.”

The Vulcan stepped in. Without looking at the quarters themselves, he turned to his new XO. "We do have a way of adapting to our surroundings. It is most logical to become harmonious with our environment. These quarters will serve to be an adequate accommodation." It was high praise from a Vulcan. "Thank you, Commmander."

Steve was quick to give a small polite smile, purely on instinct. “Of course. I’ll leave you to it then and see you on the bridge.” He offered before nodding curtly and heading back up to the bridge, letting out the breath he was holding in a deep sigh when he reached the turbolift, calling for the bridge. One Vulcan on the bridge was bad enough but now two, he could feel the eventual headaches from dealing with Davaris and Stewart causing trouble with the captain and their newest department head.

 

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