Devil in the Details

Posted on Wednesday, 18 March 2020 - 4:40pm by Commander DeVala Victrix Ph.D & Commander Soral

Mission: Operation: Overdrive
Location: Alpha Quadrant | Taurus Prime Shipyards
Timeline: 2393

ON:

Dressing in a Starfleet uniform again would take some getting used to. DeVala had become accustomed to a sort of discomfort that came with extravagant gowns for formal dinners and pantsuits for meetings around a very long table. Skirts and blouses were her everyday attire since leaving Starfleet some time ago, but now she was back in the game even if this was a one-off special assignment. Her uniform was crisp, fresh, accented in command red and had three well-polished pips adorning her uniform. Lieutenant Commander Victrix, Commanding Officer she thought to herself. That would be how she would introduce herself to people from now on. Though her crew would address her as 'Captain' or 'Ma'am' which just felt so strange hearing in her head.

Lieutenant Commander Victrix sat at a small table for two along with the upper level of Taurus Prime Shipyards' promenade. A dark blue mug in hand, almost full with a robusta coffee. It was some of the best coffee she had ever had and she took him the aroma as she looked to her right at a rather spectacular sight. The USS Fontana was right beside her undergoing a refit after several years of service. The starship fifteen years into service having been launched after the Dominion War, one of the first Merian class starships to enter service. She was a fast starship...one of the fastest of her time and still near the top of the list. Speed and maneuverability were key to a starship the size of the Merian class. Though they were also well-armed in a similar manner as the older and smaller Defiant class starships, the Merian class was not known for taking a licking.

Like any vessel seafaring or spacefaring, the Merian class had an Achilles heel or two. One of those was quite evident. Even with the best materials going into her hull and reinforcing as much as possible if a combatant was able to disable their engines, they would be a sitting target, and there was only so much bombardment and barraging it could handle. Victrix quietly mused over a PaDD with some updated reports from the shipyard's work crews while she waited for the first officer to arrive. Victrix was early by about ten minutes, but she suspected Lieutenant Commander Soral would not be far behind.

Soral had been awake for a long time. He'd been going over all the information that he'd been given, preparing for boarding, which he hoped would happen soon and he'd been meditating. There was a Vulcan historical seminar being hosted on the deck above and he'd taken that in. As he walked to meet his CO he couldn't help but wonder about Eyelaya. She had certainly been interesting to watch. She'd shown up to the shuttle and walked in barefoot stating that it she liked to feel he vibrations of the shuttle. He shook his head lightly as he grabbed a Vulcan Spice Tea and made his way to where Victrix was sitting. "Commander." He said with a slight bow as he placed his tea and pack down.

Victrix looked up and there he was as expected. "Commander" she replied addressing his by rank likewise. Victrix gestured to the vacant seat across from her and smiled. "Go on and take a seat, Commander. I asked you to meet me here so that we could discuss the Fontana with you and get to know you a bit better. We did not get much of an opportunity to do so on the shuttle ride over albeit with the Chief Petty Officer how would we get a word in edge wise?" she said teasingly.

"Gorgeous starship isn't she" stated Victrix glancing over out the observation area to her right, looking at the starship undergoing its refit.

Soral raised his eyebrow at the comment on he Chief. He found her to be.... quite amusing. He pulled out the chair and placed his mug on the table as the commander's words turned to the starship. "Indeed." He said. Soral sat down and gazed at the Fontana. "The Fontana is indeed a handsome ship." He watched the curves of the ship and the little refit shuttles zinging by. "I must admit I have been reading up on the Fontana. As much as is available of course."

"Over a decade of service" replied Lieutenant Commander Victrix. "One of the first of her class to enter service with the intention of having a future with a QSD, through at the time the Federation was still up to their necks in research and development. It would be a while until they equipped any with the prototype for field testing" added the woman. Victrix took a sip of coffee. "It's been a while since I've had real coffee. Ironic being this far from Earth and finding a café on the shipyard promenade that actually imports the real stuff" she noted with a smile.

She still had some lingering thoughts fluttering through her mind, but she pushed them aside to focus on the work ahead. "Slowly but surely I've been getting a crew together. I'm trying to at least. I've been concentrating on getting department heads of my choosing, anything not filled before we depart is going to likely get filled by Starfleet Command pulling from wherever they can. Believe me as someone who works with personnel matters, you do not want them picking crucial crew positions. You end up with a plethora of problems."

"A sound and logical conclusion and method. I applaud it." He studied her. "You will well."

Victrix shook her head, took a sip of coffee, and sat her mug done. "High praise from a Vulcan" she replied, a hint of sarcasm was definitely there to be read into. Though if her sarcasm was subtle in that moment, what she followed it up with was more of a shot across the bow. "I know Vulcans are not known for being socialites or the debutantes of the Federation, but if we are going to be on this mission together, Commander, I am going to need you to...meet me half way here" she said sternly though non threatening.

"I'm used to working with some big personalities" she added. "Now, I don't expect you to be shouting or berating the crew, but can you offer a little more than Vulcan complements of my sound logic and reasoning skills. I've looked over your personnel file enough to know that you're a career security and tactical officer. So, I'm anticipating a very by the book disciplined man. I just cannot fathom you standing at a tactical station without there being some sort of spark behind those cold stoic eyes of yours" she added with a smirk. "Rest assured, Commander, I will hotwire something out of you."

"By the book and disciplined is, of course, important indeed and that would be a fair assessment." He didn't seem phased by all that she'd said nor did he show if her sarcasm registered. "I can, logically of course, deduce that Starfleet would not have promoted me if they did not believe that I was ready for the XO role. I believe I can be an asset for you in that manner." He tilted his head to the side. "I am curious about one thing though."

She was not about to rain on his parade, Vulcan or not. It was true that Starfleet would not have given him a promotion nor assignment as First Officer if they did not believe in his ability to conduct himself in the manner properly or carry out said duties effectively; However, there was the underlying matter of personnel shortage and where command and operation were allocating personnel. Still, Victrix knew that Soral was the right person for the position all things considered. "I also believe that you will be an asset, Commander" she replied.

"What strikes your curiosity?" inquired Victrix. When a Vulcan is fascinated or intrigued about something, especially enough to express it, then it was well worth addressing.

"Why would you wish to ... hotwire something out of me and what current of electricity would be required."

Commander DeVala Victrix smiled as the expression clearly shot right over the Vulcan's head. "Earth expression, Commander. To hotwire something refers to start the engine of a vehicle by unconventional means, bypassing the conventional ones. Pulling or cutting wires and connecting them in order to start the ignition" she explained. "My use of the expression was to imply I'll do whatever I have to in order to get some kind of a response out of you...though I am starting to see that might be quite the challenge" admitted the woman. She was not going to admit defeat, but she would concede that this Vulcan was going to be difficult to crack.

"Ah, I believe I understand." He sipped his tea. "You are correct that being a...socialite is not my strength but I have endeavoured to build my leadership skills, to ensure that I speak with the crew regularly. Being second officer forced me into it and I know that this position will require a lot more. I also can see that you wish to know me better and who I am thus I can offer something. Feel free to ask anything you wish and I will answer it." He tilted his head to the side. "I wish us to have open communication. I have found it to be essential for a CO and XO."

"Likewise, Commander Soral. I am what some would say an open book" replied Lieutenant Commander Victrix. "That, however, goes without saying. Those of my species tend to be very open and expressive...I'm not as expressive, but I would still very much consider myself open. Open to new friendships, open to journeys, and open-minded most certainly" she explained. "You're a tactician, Commander are you not?" she said already well aware that he had in fact been a tactical officer. "I ask because you do not usually find someone in that department who transferred into it from...science of all places" she added.

"I am indeed. I studied both in a double first at the Academy and worked as an archeologist for a while. My strength was with security and tactical and I knew that it is where I wanted to focus so I transferred. It was perhaps not the most logical of decisions but it was right for me." He looked out at the ship. "I have kept up with science and archeology but I have no doubt it was right for me. I have always had...what was termed on my world an ancient drive to protect."

Victrix shook her head almost in disbelief. "I respect a person who knows when to make a move, change things up, or play towards their strengths, Commander" she replied immediately. "Your situation is own I've seen many of times. When I was in Starfleet prior to transitioning back to civilian life, I spent some time as a personnel officer. Sometimes, this meant working closely with a First Officer and Ship's Counselor, looking over the crew evaluations, reviewing personnel files, and at times there would be requests for departmental transfers. Typically it was what one would expect: engineering to operations or vice versa. At times well-rounded science personnel wanting to transfer to ops. Science to tactical is not one you come across too often, though it does happen. I know of a Trill science officer that made that transition."

DeVala Victrix looked over at the starship Fontana and then back at Soral. "Not terribly uncommon for a Vulcan to go into the security or tactical route. With your teachings and discipline of emotions, your species are known to make sound judgment calls and have quick reaction times; however, Commander I am curious as to how you balance that discipline and pacifistic philosophy in times such as the one we live in. Tensions run hot within the Federation, Romulans are scattered about the galaxy, and the Federation's feelings towards synthetic life forms is...hotly emotional. Once I'm finished with this mission, Stillwater will likely be taking command. I do not know what sort of assignments he will be given, but I can all but assure you that this starship will face hostility. Would you hesitate to take a life?"

Soral held her gaze. "With all due respect Commander. I have been a security officer for a while now and I pride myself in my work." His sincerity was obvious as he spoke. "I have a good balance. I look at all options and weight everything. I can assure you I will protect you, the captain when we find him, this ship and this crew."

Victrix was quick to explain herself "My apologies" she said with sincerity. "I did not mean that to come off as uncertainty of your abilities and commitment to duty, Commander Soral. I believe that you will protect me should the need arise; however, I hope that need doesn't arise on this mission. I have no intention on placing myself in any danger" explained Lieutenant Commander Victrix.

"I was trying to understand what attracts a Vulcan to a career in that...security and tactical. Confrontation is not typically something a Vulcan is known for" she added. "I suppose you could argue your first order of business is to defuse a situation or ensure the safety of the crew, but when situations are as bad as needing to take a life..."

"I can assure you no offense was taken. It is a valid question. The truth of the matter is I cannot explain what has attracted me to it. I suppose seeing life as it is when I left the shelter of Vulcan, the need to protect those who could not protect themselves and perhaps a.... feeling. A certain rightness. It is said that my great-great gradmother was Romulan and she was the protectorate of the Empress. She was Qowat Milat."

Victrix had only heard of the Qowat Milat in passing. At first she had not even recognized the term or the name, but something inside of her mind was sparked, if only briefly. She remembered something associated with the name and a spiritual sisterhood. She did not want to pry too much further into it. "So" she replied leaving it dangling for a moment. "We should consider putting an asterisk next to 'Vulcan' in your personnel file?" she countered with a raised brow. "There may be Romulan lineage in that green blood of yours?"

"Indeed. Four generations back to be precise." He raised an eyebrow, "I believe they are referred to as warrior nuns...obviously my great-great grandmother broke a vow or two...I believe my birth was a testament to that." It was as close as he got to a joke.

"The nun life isn't for everyone" replied Victrix. "If it's anything like those I've heard about from an human perspective" she added gesturing to the symbol on her forehead. "Risan born and raised" she added. "Needless to my species does not have a rich history of the same religious rigidness as humans do in earth's history. My people have almost always been as open as they are presently except for a few dissident movements that had short lived traction. Our spiritual beliefs were polytheistic and focused on music, art, and sexuality."

He gave a nod. Changing the topics he turned back to the Fontana. "I did a fly over earlier of the ship. Things are proceeding well. I will continue to do so occasionally. Slowly as the crew arrives I shall meet with them, the ones that will be joining us here." He looked at Victrix. "I have ... a favour to ask, perhaps a little dangerous."

"What's the favor?" asked Victrix. She had made note of what he said. "I secured us a Chief Medical Officer who will be arriving shortly as well as a Chief Operations Officer. Engineering from what I've been told arrived before either of us. I was able to get us both early approval to board the starship tomorrow. If you'd like we can do so together."

He gave a nod. "I will meet with the doctor in the morning since I do need my medical exam as well. As for Ops and Engineering I would very much appreciate if we could meet with them together." He thought a moment. "Now the favour." He seemed reluctant. "Are you able to keep the Chief occupied for a few hours? I did my first flythrough with her and ... and it resulted in a headache a ruined uniform and coffee burns. She seems to be in the Taurus shuttle pod bays quite frequently."

"Chief Eyelaya?" asked DeVala for clarification. "Commander, I am not sure if anything can distract that woman or if everything distracts that woman" offered Victrix. "I am still trying to figure her out myself, but I can see if I can keep her busy for a few hours if you need it. I will also set up a meeting with Chief Operations Officer, Chief Medical Officer, you, and myself tomorrow."

Soral gave a nod. "Thank you." He thought moment and then pulled something that was wrapped in what appeared to be tissue paper from the pack he'd placed by his chair earlier. "Commander if you will permit. I have created something for you. It is what humans call a warming of the home gift I believe." He'd worked on it for a while but only when they had arrived had he had a direction. It was a tritainum based image with various types of metal that together formed an image of the Risian falls. It was intricately carved with care, delicate work.

"Oh Commander, it is lovely" replied Lieutenant Commander DeVala Victrix. She had not expected something like this, especially from a Vulcan; however, Soral was starting to show her that he was not your average run of the mill Vulcan. "I will find the perfect place for it either in my quarters or in my Ready Room. Thank you" she added.

He gave a slow nod. "You are welcome." He looked at the Fontana. "I would like to, with your permission, continue the fly overs and I would like to slowly start loading my personal belongings on the ship. Thus far I have only taken essentials."

"Well, then" began Victrix with a smile flashed. "We both had better go to our guest quarters and pack up. Tomorrow is move in day for us" she added with a little wink.

"Indeed." He stood picking up his pack. "By your leave captain."

"Dismissed Commander" she replied with a nod. She stood up with him.

OFF:

Lieutenant Commander Victrix
Acting Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Soral
Executive Officer