A New Start

Posted on Mon Aug 9th, 2021 @ 6:11pm by Lieutenant Roaa & Captain Michelle Bartlett

Mission: Recovery
Location: Various
Timeline: Current

=/\=Corridor USS Nerin=/\=

Roaa shifted his duffle bag on his shoulder as he rushed down the hall. He knew he had to get to the shuttle bay soon, but had to deal with this formality first. Taking a deep breath, he walked into what was a temporary office space and seeing the person he was looking for said “Excuse me Commander Franklin, I’m here to officially let you know I’m leaving for my new assignment “. Franklin, a middle aged human male, was in the middle of sharing one of his embellished stories with a wide eyed ensign, simply replied, without looking at him, “Ok Reg. Have a good time. See you sometime.” Suppressing a growl, Roaa replied “It’s Roaa sir. Lieutenant Junior Grade Roaa. Regardless, have a good day sir. Good luck with your research”. Still not paying attention, Franklin waved him away, and kept prattling on about something or other. Walking back out into the hall, Roaa said quietly “What a pompous ass. I’m glad to be done working for him. If he did half of the stuff he says he did, he’d be an admiral by now”,

Rushing down the hall to the shuttle bay, he thought about what fate had brought him to his current situation. He’d come along on the trip to the Nerin from the Alpha Quadrant, in his role as a junior assistant to Franklin. They were supposed to just be aboard for a few months to do some research project but life had other plans. After the corridor back home had collapsed, they were now stuck here with the other ships, cut off from the rest of the fleet. He had been dreading spending who knew how long listening to the same stories and having to do administrative work for his supervisor instead of practicing medicine. When he heard of the opening for Chief Medical Officer on the USS Wellington, he jumped at the chance to apply. He was worried he wouldn’t get the position, but was pleased when it was approved. As a bonus, he was able to have some quiet time on his way to the new posting, as the Nerin was sending a new runabout to the Wellington to replace one that was damaged. He jumped at the chance to pilot it himself, and have some time to relax. Soon, he found himself in the shuttle bay, and in moments was on his way.

=/\= Corridor, USS Wellington=/\=

Taking a breath to steady himself, Roaa absently straightened his uniform. Thankfully the trip to the new ship had been quick, and he was eager to report in. Double checking that his bag was firmly on his shoulder,and transfer orders on the padd in his paw, he reached out with a foreclaw and pressed the chime outside the ready room.

"Come." Michelle called out, still figuring how she was going to break news to the crew about the fact they were now cut off from home. She sighed a bit... At least she had more Starfleet crew around than Janeway did...

Walking in, he walked up to the desk, placed his bag on the floor beside him and stood at attention. Clearing his throat, he said “Lieutenant Junior Grade Roaa reporting for duty.” He forced himself to be calm, but couldn’t keep his tail from wagging nervously.

Michelle looked up at the Caitian. She hadn't actually encountered one probably since her days as a junior science officer. She put her PADD down and grinned a bit. "Welcome, Lieutenant." she said. "You're the new doctor, I believe?" she inquired. A few personnel changes had been sent on their way before everything collapsed... It was a relief that most of them at least had arrived.

Nodding, Roaa replied, and passed her the padd he was holding “Yes Captain. Here are my transfer orders from Starfleet Medical.” Thankfully he was able to keep his voice calm and noticed his tail had slowed down a bit. He wasn’t sure if he was nervous, excited or both. He was, however, thankful to be away from Franklin.

"Nice to meet you." Michelle replied. "You must have got here on one of the last shuttles out."

Shaking his head, he replied “Not exactly Captain. I was on the Nerin, working with Commander Harold Franklin, from Starfleet Medical, as a junior surgeon. We’d come from the Alpha Quadrant to work on some research project of his.” Pausing, he took a breath and added,”I came over from the Nerin on a replacement runabout. I thought it would be a nice break for a few moments.” Thinking for a moment, he asked “Permission to speak freely Captain?”

"By all means, Doctor." Michelle said. "What can I do for you?"

Relaxing his posture slightly, Roas asked "On the Nerin, we weren't officially part of the crew, so we didn't get invited to the briefings. However we were told that something happened to the corridor to the Alpha Quadrant, and that we may be stuck here a while. Is it true Captain?"

Michelle looked up, rather disappointed. The news was still a shock to her, and she hadn't entirely processed amidst... well, everything else going on. "I'm afraid so. My understanding is they are working on that but, at this rate it could take months and we're going to have to be excessively cautious with supplies. Don't worry, I'll try not to get us in any scraps."

Taking a moment to calm himself, Roaa replied “Understood Captain. After I drop my bag in my quarters I’ll begin working on confirming our medical supply inventory including emergency med kits.” Pausing, he added, “Can I ask what I currently have for a medical staff? I just want to know what I have to work with.”

"Of course." Michelle replied. "One of your assistants, Dr. Lin has been handling sickbay since the previous CMO passed away. You also have Dr. Fallon and a head nurse.... Ms. Capillon I believe. The ship's counselor is a Bajoran woman who escapes me at the moment, I think it's Lieutenant Rala?"

Nodding, Roaa replied “Was there anything further we need to discuss before I get to work Captain?”

"There is one thing." Michelle replied. "Your previous captain didn't get to inform you but that job was left to me instead." she paused a moment before taking a box out that she had replicated earlier.

Slightly confused, Roaa replied “Captain, I’m not sure what you mean?”

"Doctor, it's my pleasure to inform you that you are hereby promoted to the rank of full Lieutenant with all the privileges of that rank thereof."

Momentarily stunned, he took the offered box and said “I don’t know what to say Captain. Thank you very much.” Receiving a nod he added, “I will get right to work. I’ll have an initial report to you soon.” Quickly he grabbed his duffel bag and left the room, en route to his new quarters then Sickbay.