Transfer Offer

Posted on Mon Nov 13th, 2017 @ 8:33am by Captain Michelle Bartlett & Commander Rostra Tang

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: After resolution of talks

Michelle was in the ready room, still organizing things and trying to figure out how she would decorate. Once the announcement was made shipwide, Operations began taking Captain Ross' personal effects out of the Ready Room. She wasn't sure how to ask what she wanted to ask... But she did recall Jason's offering of being "Number One"... He simply looked at her and told her that he needed her to jump off a cliff, and it certainly felt like she had at times. But she landed on her feet, and she knew that Rostra would as well if given the chance.

"Bartlett to Tang. Commander would you join me in the ready room?" she said.

"I'm on my way." was the cheerful reply. Rostra always had a sunny disposition about her, plus it helped that she was working alongside old friends again. Bartlett in the Ready Room, though? Either she was with the Captain and needed something ironed out, or she lost a bet. This was getting more and more interesting.

She reached the Ready Room door, straightened out her outfit, checked for dust, checked her hair, twitched her tail, made sure everything was nice and even. Oh wait, rank pip. Off by a hair. There we go. Nice and even.

Time to hit the chime.

Michelle was grabbing a quick breakfast and quickly choked down her bagel when she heard the chime. "Come."

The door swished open and Rostra's twin forms walked into the Ready Room. Upon seeing that it was just her and Michelle, a smile spread to each of Rostra's faces. "Someone lost a bet, I see." and the pair shared a giggle.

"Or the universe just is conspiring against me. I haven't decided yet." Michelle said. "Maybe a bit of both."

"See, I find the trouble with conspiracies is that until you solve them, there's that air of mystery. Once you KNOW the universe is out to get..."

"... you, then the allure really just isn't there anymore. It just becomes another day in Delta Seven Grid Six." she giggled. "It's good to see you again..."

"... now that everything's beginning to calm down. What can I do to help?"

"It's good to see you again too." Michelle said. "I wish we would have had more of a chance to catch up but apparently the Cardassians and the Klingons had other ideas. How's the Yorkshire?"

"Oh it's big and shiny, a great accomplishment really." she looked around, "But it's a little, what's the word... predictable." she said in a hush.

"I know the others would think me silly but, I miss all the excitement. I miss, well, being with you crazy humans." she said now with a smile. "You guys are just so..."

"... haphazard, so reckless, and it's contagious to watch you look into the depths of space and with no idea whatsoever as to what's out there just go..."

"... hey, let's go that way." she said with a giggle, very much amused. "So, I was going to get around to asking but since we're both here..." she paused, "I was thinking of..."

"...filling out a transfer."

"Were you now?" Michelle said with a bit of a smirk. "I was thinking I might need a new Strategic Operations officer... The current chief is a little new still for my liking. He needs more time in that department before I make him chief. But there's another role I need filled. If you're up for it."

"Strategic Operations? Hmmmm... though you mention another role? See, now you've got me curious." Rostra giggled, "Sure, what else do you have on your plate?"

"That's the right phrase, right? Something something on a plate?"

"It is." Michelle said. "We've lost most of our senior staff and the ones I do have I need where they are to ensure some kind of stability on board or at least one experienced person. You could run Strategic Ops by yourself without a doubt but... I need a First Officer. Someone who I know hasn't been involved in this and can help restore some kind of normalcy. And someone who I know can do the job."

"Wait, so... you want ME to be YOUR First Officer?" Rostra asked, for clarity. It looked like this kinda came from left field for her, but she quickly nodded her heads, "In a heartbeat."

"Though I can't promise normal."

"We've got Commodore Myers on board and he's making this his flagship. I think we will have to suspend normal for a bit." she said with a smirk. "We'll manage. We always do. We always did on the Yorkshire. Though I'm sure Captain Grant will be sorry to see you go. But I still need someone I can trust, and someone the crew can warm up to." she added. "I also have something else for you." she said as she grabbed two boxes. "I think you've been a Lieutenant Commander long enough."

"I'm sure Captain Grant will be looking forward to the full debrief from this whole detail." she smiled, then her smiles widened at the sight of the paired boxes, "Thank Dia, someone remembered the Dalacari love of symmetry."

"I mean, unless those are rings. Then I have to politely decline." one said with a smirk. Same Rostra.

"Don't worry. They're not rings. But... congratulations, *Commander*. I was so pissed when they passed you up to replace me after I left."

Each form reached out for one of the offered boxes, "Well then, let's take the first step together towards correcting that transgression."

"Agreed." Michelle said as she pinned the solid pip on both collars. "Not as mad as Jason was, by the sounds of it." she added as she recalled the rather long rant he gave about 'Bloody Starfleet Command shoving some Admiral's son at me because of who his daddy was.'

Whichever Rostra was being pipped at the time stood absolutely still, though the other was free to chat and comment. "Oh he broke out the 'Bloody', did he? Never a good sign. Such an interesting addition to the language and oh, hold on I'll move over, and just... there." as one twin scooted over to let Michelle pip the other twin.

"Though, truly, promoting a son over someone qualified... I think that's almost universal." she paused, "In Ts'usugi society you never admit who your parents are. Getting..."

"... a promotion based on family is almost a curse in their world. You get pushed twice as hard, and have to work twice as hard but I guess in the end if you still..."

"... get the position, that makes you twice as ready. Here, not quite the same." she giggled.

"Of course we do have one other problem..." Michelle said. "We have make sure our new resident Commodore behaves himself." she said, grinning sarcastically. "It always takes two plus his wife to do that and right now, Laura isn't here."

"For the record, I still only count as one." Rostra pointed out.

Michelle laughed. "I'm sure we'll both keep him in line. I'll ask Captain Grant to send the new desk to us." she added. "I do remember you mentioning something about that."

"Yes, desk and chairs please. Dalacari might enjoy rubbing elbows but trust me, not when they're your own. It's weird." she said, while her silent twin unconsciously scratched her own elbow.

"Sounds good." Michelle said.

"Myers to Bartlett."

"Bartlett here, go ahead, sir." Michelle said, tapping her commbadge.

"Captain, would you care to join us in the observation lounge? There's a smidge of a feast taking place. I think that dessert you were raving about to Shipmaster Tukal is on the table."

"On our way." Michelle said.

END

Captain Michelle Bartlett
Commanding Officer
USS Wellington

Commander Rostra Tang
Executive Officer
USS Wellington