Commander's Update

Posted on Monday, 30 March 2020 - 6:01pm by Commander DeVala Victrix Ph.D & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Overdrive
Location: USS Fontanta | Captain's Ready Room| Deck One
Timeline: 2393

{ON:}

Soral's internal clock told him that the time had come to meet with the CO. He stood from his seat and picked up a PaDD and the dog that he'd been forced to bring with him. The tiny animal whined until Soral had had no choice but to bring him. That being said he would not have an out of place dog and as a result, he had replicated a Starfleet uniform shirt for the dog.

The walk across the bridge was short and he rang the chime waiting to be let in. He dropped the puppy on the ground and it sat at his feet recognizing that the door was closed for the moment.

No sooner had Victrix pulled up the display and released the doors to open, did the puppy come barging on in running over towards her desk happy to see someone it did not know. Victrix was taken aback by the creature. She had seen plenty of dogs in her time on Earth and on other planets where they had taken a foothold as a common pet. Victrix crouched down to greet the pooch and was met with a tongue against her face. The dog's 'kisses' were certainly a surprise, but perhaps a much needed one.

Soral came in immediately after the puppy, but the pup was a little quicker at getting to Victrix than the Vulcan was at getting into the room himself. "This is one little intruder I think I can handle myself without security," she said looking up at her first officer. "I'm going to assume this is the pet you were asking about having aboard?"

He supressed a sigh, "Indeed. He has been more of a challenge. I tried to leave this morning and he could be heard down the hall. I thought it best to bring him here. Perhaps in hind sight not a good idea. I did try to attire him though."

Victrix smiled. "So it's a he?" the woman said. "Well, he's handsome and seems to be very sweet. Bringing him here is fine, Commander. You need to let him out and explore the ship a bit. This starship isn't large and if I'm correct...I believe he's a Beagle. I had a friend who had one on Earth. They get into everything especially when young."

He gave a nod. "Perhaps." He watched as the dog began his hunt around the room smelling and exploring.

Soral held up a PaDD. "I have my report prepared." He motioned to the chair. "May I?"

Victrix saw the dog lie on its side and try to roll onto it's back. Clearly looking for some belly rubs which she was happy to provide. She did that for a moment. "Proceed, Commander" she said standing up and heading for her seat.

"All departments are working to capacity. Science has had some new upgrades, improperly installed equipment that was rectified, Ops has been working extremely hard to complete all onboarding and fixes. I believe our Ops chief will require a rest after this. Engineering is almost functional, Medical is completing their installs and staff on boarding."

He scanned through the rest of the list. "There have been a few minor injuries and accidents and one... issue."

"Sounds all routine and mundane" she replied to the first officer's report. She was pleased with the report, but the issue caught her attention. "So, what exactly is the problem or issue that you have to report?"

"Chief Eyelaya."

Lieutenant Commander Victrix let out an audible sigh. She pursed her lips and looked at Soral. "What the hell has she done now?" asked Victrix. She wasn't angry at Eyelaya, but there seemed to be a gravitational pull with her to trouble and Soral was always there reporting it.

"I was doing my rounds, as I have taken to doing early morning. I heard a cry and glass breaking. I was forced to use emergency override and had found the chief had fallen through her table. She claimed to have had a nightmare and tripped. I have my doubts and the doctor is unwilling to share. I do however have my suspicions."

"Doctor patient confidentiality, Commander" countered Victrix. "If she were a danger to the crew, coffee spilling aside, he would inform us. If we suspect the Doctor is withholding something of dire importance, we can file a protest with Starfleet Medical and have those records released to us; however, I'm inclined to trust the Chief Medical Officer. Give him space to do his job."

"Indeed but I have been observing the Chief and her anxiety is of concern. When I was assisting her off the floor, as you know Vulcans are touch telepaths. I read her anxiety. She has also gone through two roommates who have requested transfer out as she 'talks too much'. The ship has not left port yet. I did leave her in the hands of the CMO." He told her of call he'd gotten about the comedy night. "I believe I used a little bit of creative...disciplinary action for all involved."

Victrix sighed and sat in her seat, leaning back in her chair. She was going to need some coffee at this whole conversation. "Proceed, Commander," she said with a gesture for him to continue.

"Well in my observances of the doctor I found him to be overly tired and somewhat distracted and I concluded that he needed rest. I know that the Chief needs to socialize more. I also know that our missions will not be easy and the crew will require not only a bonding outlet but something to boost morale and keep them unified. Thusly I thought it logical to volunteer the three to form a social committee of sorts." He told her about the plan to have them put on the comedy night but also series on discipline and protocol as well as working with the crew to find activities that would bring them together. "Less so a punishment but more so a way for the Chief to socialize properly, the doctor to rest, and the EMH to get integrated and to have the crew see him as part of the crew. It would go a long way towards repairing the perception of Synthetic life forms and a way to integrate the doctor with the patients he might be called on to treat if Doctor Rose is unable to. A way to build trust. My ultimate goal is to have the crew rotate through the committee to form a more familial environment."

"I will allow you to handle the crew and crew morale as you see fit, Commander, but be careful. I do not want you pushing any of the crew to a point of leaving" she reminded him. "We cannot really afford that. Now, I believe your observances are accurate; however, you have to understand that you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone on this crew who is not battling with depression, coping with anxiety, or has some sort of psychological scaring" Victrix began. She looked at Soral with sternness and sincerity. "The Dominion War, the Synthetic attack on the Martian fleetyards, and the Romulan sun going supernova have all added pain, misery, and darkness to our lives."

"Indeed that is why I feel that this outlet, these activities, might help raise moral. That also leads into my next topic. The Ship's Psychologist. The Lieutenant has asked if she can begin setting appointments with the crew. She is meant to assist command, of course, but with your permission, we can use her abilities as ships counselor as well."

Victrix nodded in agreement. "It is true that her primary duties are to assist command, but there are no limitations to the ship's Psychologist within reason of course" she stated. "She may see the crew in the counseling capacity, especially right now. We're going to have some time before we start tracking down Commander Stillwater. We have to rendevous with the starship Camelot."

"She will be happy to hear it." He typed in a few things. "Other then that I have no further updates at this point." He waited knowing that no doubt the commander had questions of her own.

"Very well," she said with a nod. "So, does that pooch of yours have a name?"

"Not yet. I have not had the time to select one. I have learned that many cultures pick names with specific meanings for their children or pets. I am attempting to know his personality more and then I will select something."

As if he knew he was being talked about the puppy gave an enthusiastic bark. He rushed over to Victrix and put his paws on her shoe.

She smiled. "Nice to meet you too little guy," she said to the puppy. "Dismissed, Commander."

He stood and gave a bow. "Commander." He turned and headed to the door. The dog looked over at Victrix and then ambled after Soral.

{Off:}

Lieutenant Commander Victrix
Acting Commander Officer

Lieutenant Commander Soral
Executive Officer