*Flashback* The New Scientist

Posted on Mon Nov 6th, 2017 @ 3:33pm by Commodore Jason Myers & Captain Michelle Bartlett

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: XO's Office, USS Renown
Timeline: July 6, 2388

Michelle stepped off the transporter pad, knowing the first place she had to go. She had never been aboard a Galaxy Class and compared to some of the other ship classes that came after, it was practically an antique. She nodded at the transporter chief and headed down the turbolift, smiling at her to-be colleagues.

She'd been sad to leave the Acadia.. But transfer orders were transfer orders and she'd done her time on it. She had been on it from the time she got her first pip, having learned a great deal from the Chief Science Officer she was under. She had no idea what to expect on board this posting, or what the crew would be like. All she knew is she was now the Chief Science Officer. And at least it wasn't on board a SteamrunnerClass.

"Deck 2." she said as she entered the turbolift. She figured she'd first check in with the new First Officer, get a feel for what he or she was like. Hopefully not someone as much of a hardass as the Andorian XO she had on the Acadia. She shuddered a little at the thought. The door swirled open and she pressed the panel on the wall to lead her to a door that simply read "EXECUTIVE OFFICER. CMDR J. MYERS." She rang the chime and waited.

"Come in." the Irish voice on the other end of the door called out as he was speaking with an Ensign. Michelle came through the door and came to attention.

"Send these up to the Captain and let her know, I'll see her in an hour." Jason said.

"Aye, sir." the Ensign replied.

Jason then turned to the woman in front of him. "Can I help you?"

"Commander Myers? Lieutenant Michelle Bartlett reporting as ordered, sir." Michelle said, handing him her transfer order.

"As you were, Lieutenant." Jason said, taking a look at her record. "Hmm. Graduated with distinction, posted to the Acadia 7 years ago where you've remained. Most Lieutenants have two or three postings between gaining that extra solid pip. Anything hold you back?"

"No, sir." Michelle replied. "I was content with the work I was doing on the Acadia and enjoyed the crew and department I was in."

"Can't imagine the facilities were that great." Jason said.

"Commander Smirnov and I made do. Improvised a little where we needed." Michelle said.

"Well, I think you'll find little need to improvise aboard this ship." Jason replied. "This thing is old as the hills now, but it still has some of the better facilities for the sciences than what I've served on. Not that I spend much time in the science labs."

"Not a scientist yourself, then?" Michelle asked.

"God, no." Jason said. "The only reason I passed any of my science related courses at the Academy was... You know, someone must have just paid my instructors to not mind the fact I barely got through even the most rudimentary chemistry. Stellar Cartography? Great. Astrometrics? Capable. Biology? Chemistry? I'm the last person you want in a room full of stuff that can kill us."

"So you basically spend all your time firing your torpedo?" Michelle said, before she forgot where she was. "Sounds like Security."

Jason looked up at her incredulously... Did she... Did she just?.... He let out a laugh that continued for at least a minute. "For all you know, Lieutenant... I could have been a Marine." he said, trying to feign offense.

"Bullshit, sir. You barely have the typical build for a Security officer, never mind a Marine." Michelle said. "For all I knew you were an engineer or a medic. Or maybe in Strategic Operations."

"Nah.. I'm actually a Romulan spy." Jason said as Michelle let out a laugh. "I'm joking, of course. But yes... I was security until last year. Then they told me I had to stop.... firing my torpedo." he said with a laugh.

"Please say you weren't Red Squad." Michelle asked.

"Oh thundering Jesus no." Jason replied. "Matter of fact, there's a funny story about how I met my wife that involves Red Squad."

"Is that so?" Michelle asked, finding this new XO rather interesting... And oddly full of personality. "Well you can't just leave me hanging."

"They were making my wife - I was just dating her at the time - rather uncomfortable, and hitting on her and being just terrifyingly offensive. Now... I liked to get into the booze in my first year, second year.... Pretty much up to being a Lieutenant... But anyway, its not something I'd have ordinarily said. The one Red Squad bloke didn't take rejection all that well and he smashed a bottle of Aldeberan whisky on the table. Having the liquid courage to go and say something about the demise of such a fine concoction of liquor... Well, I don't remember what I said but one of my closest Academy friends tells me it was something like "Here you've got it all over yourself and everyone's just sitting there unimpressed... Sort of a nice metaphor for your sex life, isn't it?"

Michelle laughed.. "You didn't."

"Supposedly I did. There was a short brawl, I got out of it okay but... The Cadet being an ass was reported and drummed out not long after for another unrelated matter." Jason replied.

"I thought they disbanded Red Squad after an incident during the war?" Michelle asked. "Something about a cadet having taken command and flying the ship through a war zone and getting everyone killed."

"Oh after that incident, they were toast. This was just a couple years before all that. I didn't see the war... well, actually I never saw the war. I was a cadet up until just before it ended. They did post us to a few vessels in the surrounding area before an entire class got wiped out for being unprepared."

"You saw the attack on Earth, then." Michelle replied.

"I don't think seeing the Golden Gate blown up is something I'm likely to forget." Jason replied. "It was nice when they rebuilt though. God, what a dreadful time. I hope we never have to see anything like it again."

"Agreed." Michelle said. "So... What's my first mission, boss?"

"Verification of some historical relics. I understand you did minor in archaeology?" Jason asked

"I did." Michelle replied. "Any particular reason we're looking?"

"There's one group that claims another is settled on their ancestral land which they deny. We need to match historical records with the artifacts to see who's telling the truth." Jason said.

"I'll get us all set up to do that, though I think I may have to stop in the lounge first and just relax after checking in with the Captain."

"I'm sure she'll be delighted to see you. And why don't I join you in the lounge, Lieutenant? I find you rather interesting." Jason said.

"In what way?" Michelle asked. 'God, please don't be hitting on you bloody Irish charmer.' she thought to herself.

"You stayed aboard your first posting for many years, learned as much as you can. You aren't solely motivated by your career but where you feel you'll do the most good." Jason said. "Although I mean at some point, I think if a person is good at command, they shouldn't hide from the chair."

"Well.. I don't see myself as interested in command yet." Michelle said. "Don't you go around feeling like all you do is put out fires and kiss the back ends of Admirals?"

"Sometimes." Jason said. "But, the perks outweigh all the bollocks of the job. such as leading away missions and still having a Captain to stop you. I might just like working with you, Lieutenant. Maybe I'll have to actually spend more time in Science."

"Just.. don't touch any beakers." Michelle replied.

"For the best that way." he said, making a look conceding her point.

"If you'll excuse me now... I think I need to check in with the Captain. I'll see you tonight after shift." she said, surprised with the ease of dealing with him.

END

Lieutenant Michelle Bartlett
Chief Science Officer
USS Renown

Commander Jason Myers
Executive Officer
USS Renown