Command Transition - Part 2

Posted on Wednesday, 27 May 2020 - 11:29am by Captain Barret Stillwater & Commander DeVala Victrix Ph.D & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Recall
Location: USS Fontana | Deck 01 | Command Suite - Captain's Ready Room

"The man of the hour," Victrix said gesturing to the doorway as Lieutenant Commander Soral walked in. "Please, have a seat" she said making her way around the desk and taking a seat on the sofa.

Commander Stillwater extended his hand to shake Soral's hand. "Lieutenant Commander Victrix has spoken rather highly of you, Soral" Barret Stillwater said with a pleasant nod. "Born and raised on Vulcan?" he asked of the First Officer.

Soral entered the office. He'd heard the offer of a seat but held his ground for the moment. When Stillwater had extended his hand. Soral's mind went into a few directions. One was that Stillwater knew that Vulcan's were touch telepaths. His hand extension was more then an offer of a handshake it was a measure and an allowance to measure. He classed the man's hand firmly and shook it. He could sense the power of the man. Almost a mystic quality to him. "Indeed." He replied to the Stillwater's question. "If I may, has a change of command occurred?"

"We are working out terms and conditions," replied Commander Stillwater "Lieutenant Commander Victrix here would like to hand me over the keys to the palace right here and now, but I would rather we hold off until we reach Beta III Orbital Station for a brief layover and take on additional crew. As I was informed, your Chief Engineer is being reassigned."

Didn't tell him that yet thought Victrix. She looked at Soral "Afraid that is true. Lieutenant Commander Mo'Bri has been given orders effective immediately. She will be departing once we reach Beta III Orbital station; However, I have successfully been able to secure us a new Chief Engineer and a Chief Operations Officer to replace Lieutenant Kolani, who's staying with us as Assistant Chief Operations Officer."

"Fascinating." He said. Soral sat down as Bones, ever shamelessly, ran for Victrix hoping for a scratch behind the ears. "We also have to transfer requests from a couple of the crew members. I shall then send them to you ma'am." He said. Since the comedy night he'd been quite formal with Victrix. "I am pleased," Soral started. "That you are insisting on terms and conditions," he said to Stillwater. "I do, however, have a recommendation."

Stillwater turned to look more directly at Soral. "What would that be, Commander?" he asked the Vulcan with some curiosity. Stillwater was fairly used to working with Vulcans. As a founding member of the Federation and one of the first species to go through Starfleet training, they populated Federation starships typically in S.T.E.M. areas, but they were a versatile people. "I am always open to advice and recommendations from my First Officer."

"I would pay a Ferengi to review the contract for any unforeseen loopholes. They are good at finding those. When dealing with Federation brass or diplomacy it is best to...prepare for the unexpected and ensure all fine print is explored. I have one in my employ looking after my estate should you require one."

"Thank you, Commander. If I ever need somebody I'll make use of that" replied Stillwater. He looked over at Victrix. "Sounds like anyone you know? Loopholes and all?"

Victrix smirked. "I was not the one to exploit the loopholes on your retirement, Commander. I was just the one with the nerve to come out here and find you" she replied, referring to the reactivation clause in the 'fine print' that Stillwater signed off on when he retired from Starfleet. "As I said before, Admiral Quinteros was adamant about bringing back a few good men and women."

"I will aid in the transition as much as possible." Soral said. "My recommendation, if someone antiquated, would be to assemble the staff in the biggest shuttle bay. I have found people have comfort in ceremony so a change of command ceremony would be seen, by the crew, as a comforting occurrence."

Victrix nodded "Very antiquated, but suitable. If you agree?"

Stillwater nodded "Sometimes, old traditions are the best. We will make it happen."

Soral gave a nod. "I can begin the preparations." He paused. He looked at Victrix. "Have you discussed the Bones clause yet?"

Stillwater raised a finger, cutting Victrix off. "I got my Talarn clause. The Commander can have his canine companion."

Soral gave a tiny bow. "It is much appreciated." He paused. "Permission to speak freely sir?"

"Granted" replied Stillwater.

Soral gave a nod. "I am honoured to be given an opportunity to serve with you. when you are familiarizing yourself with the crew you will read their records including mine. I believe in absolute candor and will answer any questions that you may have." He paused. "I do however stand by the incident noted in my file and would not change my actions in any way. If you so choose to request a new first officer I would take no offense."

"Noted" replied Stillwater. "Commander, how about you see to it we are underway and have the bridge for a while...I feel Lieutenant Commander Victrix and I have more to discuss."

"Yes sir." He tuned bowed to Victrix and then bowed to Stillwater. "By your leave sir."

"Granted" replied Victrix. She smiled and looked at Stillwater. "I got too used to dismissing him."

He gave a nod and headed out. "Bones!" The dog barked, he gave Stillwater and Victrix a look and then followed Soral out.