You Wanted To See Me?

Posted on Sun Apr 30th, 2023 @ 2:15am by Lieutenant Commander Keishara Davaris

1,227 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Prologue: Centre Predominate
Location: Ready Room, USS Moore
Timeline: MD001 0700 hrs

Keishara had been doing her usual, preparing the ship for arrival at Starfleet Command. Well, in itself that was not usual but preparing the ship to dock or orbit a planet still needed a set of eyes on it and she trusted herself to see it done.

They were still en route when the Captain had called her in to speak to her. She was grumpy, hadn't slept well the night before and even as Earth approached her agitation grew. Kei didn't take well to 'big wigs' and other Captains. She knew Stryvek, had served with him for over a decade, and she found that acceptable.

As she walked onto the bridge she noted her tactical officer staring off into space, literally. "Capaldi! You better hope we're not being followed by rogue Klingon pirates!" she yelled as the man snapped out of his daydream.

"Sorry ma'am, Commander. Sir!" he worriedly began scanning space.

She walked towards him and in passing said, "Be lucky that I am on my way to see the Captain, otherwise you'd need to visit Sickbay for an accident you'd have with one of your fingers." she grumped and walked past.

Ringing the chime she waited, tapping her foot impatiently but still attempting to quell her emotions.

Stryvek had been reading over the file of the man that would become his Executive Officer. The file was exemplary, however, the Vulcan was not too sure about the man. He had little to no field experience and that did not seem too logical based upon what the Moore's overall mission was to be.

He summoned the one person who had served aboard the Moore just about as long as he had. Stryvek looked up from his desk before the chime went and simply said "Enter" When she walked in he pointed to one of the seats in front of the desk, "Commander, please sit and be at ease."

Keishara moved into the room and sat down, albeit uncomfortably. "We will be ready for our arrival at Starfleet Command, Captain."

"Very well. Thank you. However, I asked you here for different reasons. You have served on this ship for quite some time. I believe it has been the same length of time as myself. Logic dictates that a good command team anticipates each others actions. With the addition of this Executive Officer that we are picking up at Starfleet Command I will not be able to fully anticipate his needs, and he in turn will not be able to anticipate me. So, Commander logic would further dictate that you take the post of Second Officer on this vessel." Stryvek spoke as matter of fact as most people breathed. If one wanted to read into things they may think that there was some sentiment in choosing Davies. However, his voice showed none of it if it were even there.

Kei listened to her Captain and long time 'friend'. Who she call him a friend? Really? Long time emotionless companion and leader?

"What you've said is right but do you really think I am the best option?" Kei had moved to stand now and was pacing. "I'm hardly command material and don't think you are making the right choice. Logical maybe, but right? Have you been drinking your Vulcan brandy again?"

"Logic is always right..." Stryvek began with a raised eyebrow. "...You have already proved your command capabilities by leading the Security teams on this vessel. So as I said you are the logical choice. You also have the abilities. Now, if you are telling me that you do not want the job then that would be your choice. However, I would tell you that you would be making a poor choice." Stryvek sat there with his hands folded on his desk. He would not admit it but he needed Kei to take the position. The idea of training an entirely new command team did not appeal to the Vulcan in any way, shape, or form.

"Everything has to be so logical with you." Kei sighed a bit as she thought about his offer. "If I accept I don't want to lose out on any of the running of my department. I'll occasionally sit in that chair if that's what you need from me, and I can promise you that I will not agree with you more just because you've added that role to my list of responsibilities."

"As to your duties at Security no those would not change. In fact I would come to expect even more from you there. You would be expected to advise myself and the XO on tactical situations as well. You may be asked to lead away teams. Yes, you would also have to take a bridge watch shift in overall command of the ship. Keishara I am merely asking you to do what you have always done. Protect this vessel and challenge me." He used her given name as a sign of familiarity. This was something Vulcans had come to know in their interactions with other races. Stryvek also rather enjoyed the challenge that she presented him occasionally. It kept his mind sharp.

It was true, it was just another way of protecting the ship. All of those things he had mentioned she had already done. A little light on the taking command side of things but everything else... there was nothing new. "Okay sir. I'll accept the position. I can't believe Starfleet wants me, or is willing to let me, take a position like that. You know I'm not exactly a rule follower, a by the book person." She admitted what Stryvek already knew.

"Well then it is well for me and this ship that Starfleet has no say in the mattter. Captains have total control over who serves in what capacity on their vessels. To add to that I am not sure who the fleet is assigning as Executive Officer. As I said I need someone I am familiar with. Together the Moore should continnue its distinguished service." Stryvek was relieved although he would not admit it. There was a moment there where he was unsure if she would accpet the position.

"Okay, okay. You don't need to keep trying to sell it to me sir." Keishara sighed. "I understand why you want me as second officer. You say familiar but that's Vulcan speak... in normal language you want someone you can trust, someone who knows how you work and someone that will have your back if you need it. As always, I have your back Captain. A new XO won't change that."

Stryvek nodded, if one spent any amount of time around a Vulcan they would realize that most of the time when a Vulcan nodded they were actually smiling. "Very well I will make the note in the ship's log. As we are without an XO at the moment you will have the bridge."

"As you wish sir. I'll make sure we don't crash into anyone looking for a fight." Kei smirked. As she left she did feel a swell of pride that he had chosen her for this... she thought she merited XO after all she'd done and how long she'd served with him but obviously Starfleet had other ideas. Maybe they were right to choose a new person. Keishara didn't want all that responsibility just yet.

 

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