Into The Frying Pan

Posted on Thu Apr 22nd, 2021 @ 6:03pm by Captain Michelle Bartlett & Lieutenant JG Sandra Garcia & Lieutenant JG Odelle Lin & Ensign Andrew Gervais & Ensign Laro Adel & Cadet Senior Grade Brady Macleod & Commander Rostra Tang & Major Hailey Weston & Lieutenant Commander Shaille Levine & Lieutenant Valeria Mordin & Lieutenant JG Stan More & Lieutenant JG Siobahn Fallon

Mission: Arriving
Location: Crew Lounge
Timeline: Evening after arrival

(OOC: If anyone's missing a character in there, let me know!)

Michelle was in the temporary quarters and had just finished adjusting her dress uniform. 'They make these things so bloody difficult.' she thought.

She was unsure how many were going to be in attendance from shore leave. She wasn't sure whether to expect the entire crew, or just the senior staff or just a few long time officers. I guess it wasn't really an event they expected but then these weren't the circumstances she ever expected her first assumption of command ceremony to be held under either. But... Beggars and incoming Captains can't be choosers. She wandered out to the corridor and saw Jason, similarly in dress uniform.

"When they changed the uniforms, they could have made the dress ones a bit more comfortable." she said, looking down.

"They don't get much more comfortable when you're my rank, either." Jason replied. "Starfleet really needs a better tailor."

"Or we could have just done this in the Betazoid tradition." Michelle said, chuckling a bit.

"Can you imagine?" Jason said, laughing. "Oh my lord... You think it's too late to issue a change to the dress code?"

"Well, I mean they can all just pick their pants up off the floor once it's done." Michelle said. "But, I don't think they'd appreciate it. Would look too much like an Academy toga party after about 6 kegs of Aldeberan Whisky."

"What kind of parties did you go to at the Academy?" Jason said with a laugh.

"The same ones you did. You told me the stories. Just because I was a science cadet doesn't mean I didn't occasionally like to have fun. We weren't all the geeky types sitting quietly in our dorms studying." Michelle said

"Now there's an image I'll never get out of my head." Jason replied. "6 kegs?"

"I mean I think at that point it was maybe 8 or 9." Michelle replied. "But let's just say a few of my classmates still have nightmares about nude Ferengi."



=/\= Crew Lounge =/\=

Shaille walked into the lounge, tugging awkwardly at the collar of her dress uniform. She hated the pomp and ceremony of these occasions, she especially hated feeling like she was on display. Even though this wasn't about her, she knew that as a member of senior staff there would be members of the crew looking toward her for guidance on how to react to this situation. She glanced around quickly, taking note of who else was in attendance while she waited.

Andrew walked in with Paul in tow. The pair walked over to Shaille, noticing her and a few others he knew were in the crowd, although there were some that hadn't made it. Maybe weren't making it. Who knows.

"Guess it's gunna be official now..." Andrew said.

"I suppose it would be a good idea for all that, but I thought all of the command change ceremonies were on the bridge." Hailey said from behind him. It had been a silent approach, even as she was relatively distinct in her dress greens, complete with all her medals, the different glinting stars, crosses and the blue one that designated the highest award for valor, the Federation Medal of Honor. The uniform was perfection itself and she didn't even fidget with it, "Maybe it's the Commodore who really wanted this?

"Hard to say." Andrew replied. "I thought one of my classmates said they sometimes held them in the Shuttlebay. Maybe he wanted something informal. Maybe the new Captain did."

Ensign Laro walked into the room, the Bajoran pilot adjusting her dress uniform. "Ensigns..." she said looking at Paul and Andrew. "Major. Long time no see." she added with a friendly tone, having missed Major Weston a great deal on the overnight shift. There had been a lot of adjustments to make it would seem.

"Indeed, Ensign, and don't think I haven't kept my eye on you from afar." Hailey winked at Laro, "Things are going well, I presume, ship flying the way it should?"

"When I can help it." Adel replied. "Your men are behaving the way they should?" she added back playfully

"Behave? What is this word, 'behave'? Methinks you speak a foreign language, madam." Hailey grinned, "If you mean are they acting in the best traditions of the Marines? Certainly, if in the best traditions of Starfleet?" She made a throwing away gesture.

(tag Laro)

Doctor Lin walked in at that moment, having left another lieutenant in charge in Sickbay. "Hope I'm not late." Odelle said. "Multiple lifetimes of this kind of thing and... I never get used it. And I'm not really used to it now."

The door to the lounge swished open, allowing the one of the more unusual and unique members of the crew to make her way in. A humanoid furred form, reminiscent of an ermine or a cat and an ermine, she moved in with a confidence that spoke of the numerous times she stopped and checked to make sure this was the right place. Behind her, one step in tow, was her identical twin sister.

The pair were dressed identically, as befitting the motif of twins, in the Starfleet dress uniform and man did it look like she was nine shades of uncomfortable in it too. Especially considering that both of them had a tail.

The pair walked over to the gathering, a smile on each face. "Tell me these are universally uncomfortable, and I'll feel a lot better." one complained, while the other tugged at her neck to get some space. Lots of pips on that tight neck collar.

"Oh, sorry, ummm. Rostra Tang, it's a pleasure to meet you all."

"They're totally universally uncomfortable. Don't think I've ever worn one that was actually suited for use for more than 20 minutes." Lin said with a bit of a grin. "How you holding up?"

"I think they're designed to be uncomfortable, as a way of showing to others what you're willing to endure in the name of your ideals." Rostra commented, "And right now my ideals are..."

"... being cooped up in this parade uniform." she continued, while her silent twin once again attempted to find the comfortable setting on a uniform that only had two settings: Uncomfortable, and Tag In The Neck. "Though, I'm holding up nicely with everything else. Looking forward to some more ..."

"... research and exploration, especially with people I trust to keep me safe."

Stan walked in hoping no one would notice he was late. More was not even sure he should be here. After all he had never been ACSO before.

“ Sorry to bother yer. Lt.(jg) Stan More ACSO is this the meeting?” Stan asked politely.

Hailey smiled at the newcomer, not recognizing the name and nodded, assuming he was one of the new arrivals that she'd not gotten caught up on, "Absolutely, Lieutenant, Major Hailey Weston at your service, Marine and surgeon." She extended a hand to him, "Welcome aboard the Wellington."

There was something very likeable about these people. Stan felt like part of the family even though he had only just arrived.

“ Ouch thank ye very much. Yer have a bonnie wee ship here I must say.” Stan said with a big smile.

The twin forms of Rostra Tang gave Stan a warm smile (Though no teeth), "It's such a pleasure to meet a new face. Rostra Tang, I've got my rank around here somewhere." and her twin looked at her neck pips. "Oh, there. Yeah, I'm high up there but please, don't let that fool you." her twin sister spoke. They weren't just finishing each other's sentences, they were actively a part of each other's conversation.

"I'm a Dalacari, so ask all the questions you want. If the old crew hasn't found a way to embarrass me, you'll be fine." the original sister spoke up now. All this back and forth, it was fortunate that the pair stood so close together.

Shaille nodded toward Stan. "Welcome aboard Lieutenant. I guess all we're waiting on now is the new Captain and then this show can get over and done with. I'm sure I'm not the only one that can't wait to get out of this uniform!"

Stan was surprised by that. He found his uniform to be quit comfortable. Then again it was new. Once he had worn it for a while. Maybe the novelty would wear off?


Michelle and Jason walked in at that moment. "We were just talking about that." Michelle said with a bit of a smirk. "We wanted to do Betazoid tradition after about 5 minutes in these things but then realized that would be kind of awkward." she said as Jason directed her to the platform put up in the crew lounge.

Jason then nodded to the Chief of the Boat, who blew a whistle. The general conversation in the room ceased.

"Attention to orders!" the COB called out.

Michelle paused a moment, took the PADD from Jason and proceeded to read the order installing her as Captain. "To Commander Michelle Bartlett, Chief Diplomatic Officer, USS Cape Town. You are hereby granted the rank of Captain, and as such are requested and required to assume command of the USS Wellington as of this date. Signed by order of Starfleet Command." she paused.

"Computer, transfer all command codes to Captain Michelle Bartlett. Authorization Myers Sigma 4-1-3." Jason called out.

"Transfer complete." came the Computer voice. "USS Wellington is now under command of Captain Michelle Bartlett."

Hailey cleared her throat briefly, smiling broadly, "Three cheers for the new Captain, Hip hip!" She began.

"Hooray!" Laro as well as Gervais called out. It seemed odd, but this was probably as weird for her as it was for them.

Shaille clapped politely, watching the change with idle interest.

"Thank you. I, uh... I know it's probably been hard for all of you and I honestly don't know how I can make that up. But... I'll do what I can. That's all anyone in these circumstances could do. Senior staff, I would like a meeting with you in one hour's time. Otherwise... As you were." Michelle called out.

Stan was not sure. So he raised his hand to speak.

“ Sorry fer asking. As Assistant Chief Science do I attend the meeting?” Stan asked

Rostra shook both her heads, "It's a good question, but probably not. Your section chief is Miss Valeria Mordin. She's probably off socializing with other department heads or..." and Rostra just stopped talking.

Her twin picked up the conversation flawlessly, "... getting caught up on some last minute projects. You might want to meet with her before the shifts actually start, but I think she'll tell you that she'll..."

"... handle the meetings and the politics. She'll say it's a favor, since her people thrive on politics." Rostra giggled, twice.

Stan thought about this.

“ Well that sounds quite fair. I will need a wee word with my department head though. I would like to set up a arboretum. There kind of my specialty if yer take my meaning. Arch.. is there any chance of a wee drink my throats a little parched please?” He asked

"Well, as long as their little trees, shouldn't be a concern I'd say." one of Rostra's forms spoke, while the other looked around for... Oh, there she was! The Dalacari gave a wave over, and the Science Chief started to make her way over. A nod to the duality of Rostra Tang, and then another just to Stan himself.

"Your Assistant Scientist, Miss Mordin." Rostra handled the introductions, and Valeria gave a soft smile towards Stan, "A pleasure. Apologies for not making the introductions sooner, I like having faces to put names to when it comes to the reports. I look forward to working with you on our endeavors." a pause, "Tell me a little about yourself?"

Moving away from the group, Shaille approached Michelle, offering a slight nod. "Congratulations Captain," she said quietly. "Now, what do you plan to do about retrieving our lost fighter?"

Michelle looked over at Jason, who looked back at her. "We're getting it back." she said. "We don't want it left on the planet, not while it's as volatile as it is. Plus, well... all things considered. Don't worry... we're ironing out some details and I hope to have some in... Oh, look at that. 50 minutes."

Andrew sat with Paul over in the corner. "So just like that...."

"Yeah." Paul said. "She... seems okay?"

"Lieutenant Levine said she didn't seem too bad. Guess we'll see." he added, going back to his tea.