Becoming XO

Posted on Mon Dec 2nd, 2019 @ 4:01pm by Captain Sebastian Deauvuex (*) & Ryder Bray

Mission: Ishimura
979 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

Sebastian looked up from his desk as he heard the chime ring and called out for whoever it was to come in. He was relieved to see that it was the man he had been looking for finally reporting in. It would be an interesting conversation but one that he had wanted to have before the away mission that had gone wrong. With Lieutenant Sorren leaving and his replacement being barely a department head it was leaving his with no choice but to look elsewhere for a new first officer.

“Ah, Lieutenant Bray. I am glad Medical finally got you to respond. How is Ensign McAvoy”? He wondered hoping the young woman was feeling better than when he had last seen her. The older man indicated the seat in front of his desk.

Ryder was quick to sit in the offered seat, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry about that, Sir, I just had to make sure... She's fine, Sir. Medical released her a few minutes ago, but she's been prescribed some R&R before she gets back to duty. What is it you wanted to see me about?"

"That is good to hear." The Captain mused leaning back in his chair to look at the younger man properly. "I guess you have learned that Lieutenant Sorren has left?" Sebastian asked wondering if it was common knowledge now or now.

"Quite quickly. News spreads faster through the scuttlebutt, Sir." Ryder stated. "Is there something I should investigate? Did Lieutenant Sorren leave something... unsavoury? I thought there wasn't anything wrong with the Lieutenant when we did background checks..."

"Not at all. The man was a good Executive Officer," The man had only been Executive Officer barely a year but it had been a good working relationship with the Vulcan despite the reservations that had been had on both sides. "The reason I have summoned you here as I need a new Executive Officer."

"Oh." Ryder had assumed the search for a new Executive Officer typically began in personnel files, but he couldn't think of anyone that would fit the bill. Most of the senior staff aboard had either placed an interest elsewhere or just weren't fit for the bill. "... Is there someone you need me to run a background check on?"

If Sebastian had been a less than serious man which a lot going on personally between an ex-wife and a girlfriend he would have snorted but he gave no indication of his amusement other than a small smirk. "Only if you can be truthful on yourself?" The man admitted.

"Me? On... me?" Ryder tilted his head to one side in confusion. Was he really the next in line for such a position? He supposed so, seeing as he was already ready to train his replacement in the event something happened to him. Whatever other departments were doing was beyond him, but if he was the most prepared... "Sir, I didn't think I was even an option."

"Why ever not?" Sebastian said wondering how the man thought it was not possible. He had been onboard a while, he was sensible and above all the crew respected him. "You have the ear of the crew in ways that Sorren never had." He said thinking on his first-ever XO for a moment before he frowned. He did not need to think on the now Captain of the USS Yorktown, it would just lead to dangerous thoughts.

"Because I'd be splitting the duties between Armory and the rest of the crew." A task he had already begun to do, but one he wasn't aware he was doing. "I would think you'd want someone who's tasks are less... security-based. But... I'm... not sure I'm gonna say no to it either."

"All Executive Officers split there time and I have no doubts that you can manage it when you seem to be already doing some of the tasks since Sorren left anyway." Sebastian reminded quietly. "I would not be having this conversation if I did not believe that you would be up to the task. After the leadership you showed on the away mission there was no other choice in my mind."

"Leadership?" Ryder shook his head. That was almost a disaster of a mission, thanks to the planet's atmosphere. Sure, he was writing it off in front of the rest of the crew, but in front of the Captain? He had to be honest. "I think I yelled more at Eden climbing up a tree than I did lead... But I'm not going to question your judgment, Sir. If you believe I'm capable of it, I won't let you down."

Sebastian could not help but chuckle at the mention of Eden in a tree. He was not even surprised but it was an amusing image for him to think on. "Good because I hate being let down." It was a feeling he did not like at all disappointment especially after someone else's actions.

Ryder nodded. It was all he could think to do, given the circumstances. And what more was there to be said? "... Should... I start XO duties immediately, Sir?"

"Certainly. I am certainly in need of your skills immediately." Sebastian had let things slip the last few days and what had hurried up his naming an XO. He needed someone to do those duties to allow him to do his duties. He turned to the console and started the process of formally changing the man's security clearance.

"I'll get right to it Sir." Ryder stopped himself from immediately standing and marching out of the office as the new Executive Officer. "Once I sort out the rest of the day's duties in Security, of course."

OFF::

Captain Sebastian Deauvuex
Commanding Officer
USS Ishimura
(PNPC Gregnol)

Lieutenant Ryder Bray
Chief Security Officer / New Exuctive Officer
USS Ishimura
(PNPC Uhin)