Getting Underway

Posted on Wed Sep 20th, 2017 @ 11:06am by Commodore Jason Myers

Mission: https://wellington.pegasusfleet.site/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: Main Bridge
Timeline: June 15, 2399 @ 11:30

Bowman was in the command chair awaiting orders to depart. There was little anyone could do at the moment until the final order was given. She had her doubts about this mission and was still displeased even in spite of her rebuke from Captain Ross that the ship was being dragged on a mission that could very well tear apart one of its oldest alliances. But such seemed to be the way of this "New Federation." How she longed for something else.

Jason and Captain Ross walked onto the bridge from the ready room. Bowman immediately stood up. "Commodore on the bridge!" she called as everyone came to attention.

"As you were." Jason called out. "I think we're ready to head out so long as there's no other business here."

Bowman moved to her regular seat as Ross took the command chair over. "Mr. Martin, status report?"

"All crew are present and accounted for, sir." Martin replied. "Including transfers."

Jason took the third seat across from the XO and turned to Captain Ross and Commander Bowman. "Commander Bartlett is having a discussion with the Dalacari as we speak as well as a Ts'usugi official. We've been invited to a reception to sort of smooth things over, reaffirm our relationship and as a prelude to the talks. The Klingons won't be there until the actual mediation is required. They feel it's a waste of time. The Yorkshire should be almost there by now to meet us."

"They're not wrong." Bowman thought to herself as Jason simply ignored the look of disdain on Bowman's face.

"Status report, all departments." Ross called out.

"Sciences report ready, Captain." T'Pral replied

"Tactical and Security reporting full readiness." Movek replied.

"Operations is ready when you are, sir." Martin said.

"Strategic Ops and Intel are ready, Captain." came the response from Lieutenant Del.

"Engineering reports ready at your command." Meru replied.

Ross nodded to Bowman. "Sounds like we can get underway."

"Lieutenant Holt, clear our departure with New Earth Operations and set course for heading 184-566 Mark 9. Warp 8." Bowman ordered.

"Aye, ma'am." came Holt's reply as they paused for a moment. "Ops has cleared us."

Ross stood up. "Seal the airlock and release docking clamps. Proceed to those co-ordinates."

"Engaging reverse thrusters. Docking clamps released. Airlock sealed." Holt said. "Course plotted and laid in at your command, sir."

"Engage." Ross called out. "Mr. Martin, I don't know what you did but everything seems to be running a lot faster than it did this morning."

"Commander Mo'Bri in Engineering made some suggestions and I took her advice. I'll pass the word along, sir." Martin said, satisfied with the praise.

But the moment of happiness was not to last. "Commander Mo'Bri?" Bowman inquired. "Who the hell is that?" She was not amused that this unknown person was going around giving advice to senior staff.

"The Assistant Chief Engineer." Martin said. "She just came aboard, ma'am."

"I met her." Ross said. "She seems quite capable. I think she'll do well here."

Bowman looked at the Captain, while Jason simply watched this transaction. Bowman looked like she could throttle Lieutenant Martin right at his post. "She'll do well if she understands her place in the chain of command." Bowman said irritated. "Commander Meru, why was this not reported to you first?"

"Frankly, ma'am... She used to be a Chief Engineer. I would trust her to--"

"THAT IS NOT THE POINT!" she roared. "Mister Martin... The chain of command is the only thing that stands between order and discipline on a ship and unadulterated chaos. As a department head, I expect you both to adhere to it. In the future, you will encourage any junior officer or non-department head to address their issues directly with THEIR superior officer before even speaking to you. Do you understand?"

"Commander--" Martin said.

"Yes? or No? Those are the only acceptable responses." Bowman said, cutting him off.

"If you'd just let me--"

"That's still not a yes or a no, Lieutenant. Am I recommending a new Chief Operations Officer, AND a shakeup of the Engineering department while we're at it? I'm not afraid to make an example of both of you." Bowman said. "Maybe I'll place you on report for insubordination while I'm at it if you're going to take that kind of a tone with me."

Ross turned to his First Officer with a tone that tolerated no opposition. "Commander, Sit. Down. NOW." he paused. "Lieutenant, please inform the Commander that her initiative is appreciated. There's no need for her to ask Commander Meru to do so much as have a goddamn conversation about work."

"Thank you, sir." Martin replied.

Meru simply sat, looking helplessly as the Captain restored order. "I think I'm needed in Engineering, sir. If you'll excuse me." she said as Ross nodded.

Bowman looked back at the Captain. "Sir, with all due respect, why do we even have department heads if--"

"Commander... Let it go." Ross said firmly. "Commodore Myers... A word with you?"

"Of course." Jason said.

"Commander Movek, you have the bridge." Ross said, skipping over the XO and going right to the Second Officer.

Bowman objected, "Sir, this is my watch."

"So it is. Commander Bowman, I'm sending you down to the Strategic Operations suite to obtain a briefing we can provide to Commander Tang upon her arrival. And you're going to be getting it now. Commander Movek has the bridge." he said.

Bowman took a deep breath. "Of course, sir."

Ross and Myers headed back to the ready room as Movek moved to the command chair. He found the outburst of the First Officer to be rather illogical. But he could tell that the Captain merely ordered her off the bridge to avert any further confrontation.

"What is our ETA, Lieutenant Holt?" Movek asked as he settled into the chair.

"Rendezvous with the Yorkshire's coordinates should be in 40 minutes." Holt said.

"Increase speed to maximum warp. It would be to our advantage to get there as early and efficiently as possible." Movek said.

"Aye, sir." the lieutenant at the helm said.

"For the record, Mr. Martin... It would appear Commander Mo'Bri's recommendations were adequate and effective. You did well to take the advice of an experienced junior officer."

"Thank you, sir." Martin replied.