MISSION START: New Faces and New Destinations

Posted on Wed Oct 28th, 2020 @ 4:30pm by Commander Alexis Agrax (*) & Commodore Ledeya ‘Ed’ Ehestri (*) & Commander Adamya Ryon & Commander Christopher Mitchell & Lieutenant Junior Grade Karis & Lieutenant Commander Ranav Voss M.D. & Major Levi Drake

Mission: Cosmos
Location: USS Cosmos
Timeline: 2396
1278 words - 2.6 OF Standard Post Measure

Ledeya loved early morning meetings like the one she had called that day. It was a unusual move but it allowed her to check in on her department heads without them even realising it. It allowed her to see just how organised they were for the day or if there was more going on that she did not know about. She sat in her usual chair sipping the thick hot chocolate that the replicator had given her waiting for people to appear so she could tell them where they are heading now that the Tech exposition was finished and they could offer not much more to the investigation over the robot.

Christopher had arrived promptly for the meeting start. Punctuality is a pillar of society, he noted; a personal mantra. One of several. He couldn't abide lateness. Smiling professionally at the Commodore, he calmly took his usual seat next to her and looked up as the others started to trickle in.

Coming through the doors with a PADD in her face, Karis accidentally bumped into one of the chairs, glanced up, blushed and hurried to sit down with a small smile on her face toward Ledeya. "Sorry," she mumbled. She knew she wasn't late but it still had not been the most graceful entrance.

Ledeya smiled and opened her mouth to say more when Alexis wondered through the door already carrying a big mug of coffee. She looked more awake than she normally was. "Good morning Commanders, Lieutenant."

Raktajino in hand, Ryon walked through the door. He found his customary seat with a window view and laid his PADD on the table in front of him. The coffee had yet to kick in and the late nights of communicating with fleet assets about the investigation prevented him from being overly cheerful. Knowing better than to be a grump, and nodded to each person on the room and let out a practiced, “Good morning.”

It amused Ledeya that her senior officers were finally settling down into having places to sit and others knowing that someone sat there. It truly meant things were settling down and coming together.

Ranav was in his, usual spot, and he drew in a deep breath. On the table was the PaDD he brought with him as he waited for everyone to assemble. The half Bolion glanced over at the captain with a smile.

"Sorry...late..." Levi grumbled as he arrived. Late - he hated that he was, but he'd never admit that Halla had been teasing him by hiding his pants when they woke up together. He'd almost stolen hers, but for the noticeable size difference. He took his seat, a little glare on his face just about daring anyone to challenge his timekeeping.

As the final person to walk in was someone unknown to the majority of the senior officers. Lieutenant Commander Vriaral Dariars had only transferred in the final moments of the tech conference due to issues on the Triton. “Apologises for being late Sir” he said taking the only spare seat left.

“We haven’t started yet Commander. This is Lieutenant Commander Vriaral Dariars. He is our new Chief Engineering Officer.” Ledeya introduced the man who nodded at everyone.

"Welcome aboard," Christopher nodded. It felt right to speak-up for the senior staff and make the first welcome.


TAG WELCOMES

Vriaral just smiled. He would get to know them all later but now he glanced at the woman who looked around patiently but expected the chatter to stop. "He will be around for a long time so I am sure you will all get to know him," Ledeya assured before she started into her prepared speech. “As some of you heard at the Tech Conference myself and the Cosmos have been reassigned from Task Force 72 to Independent Operations.” It was a lot more involved in that but rumours were rife and Ledeya would let people make up their own minds. She knew the truth as did the people who counted.

"So, what does that mean for us operationally, Commodore?" Christopher inquired.

Karis was very interested to hear the answer and popped her head up from the PADD she'd been taking notes on already.

The half-Bolian raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet. Whatever changes were happening he wasn't going anywhere. Ranav smiled waiting for the response. He had heard many of the rumor and had received some offers to jump ship but he was about to do that. This was home and the team aboard worked well together, besides why change now? He had been there long enough.

Ledeya smiled at the question from her first officer. She had not briefed him at all on this as there had been so time beforehand. She had still not fully read the movement orders but it was simply that there expertise and experience was needed elsewhere. “After our experience with the seabase. Starfleet believe that we have something more than managing others and should be investigating the weird and wonderful.” Ledeya said honestly watching as several people shifted in their seats uncomfortably.

"Exploration? Maybe a five-year-mission of our own?" Christopher asked, perking up at the thought.

"Perhaps." Every Officer Ledeya knew hoped and prayed for a five-year mission but Ledeya knew they were far and few between. They would not be sending them on one when there was such a need for them close to the central worlds of the Federation. It would be a discussion for another time with Christopher about his ambitions but for now all she could do was leave the possibility open. "But for now New Rixx..."

"New Rixx." Alexis snorted making everyone look at her. "Kinda cliques could have chosen so many other names." She mused making Ledeya smile. Only a fellow Betazoid could say something like that and get away with it.

The Chief Medical Officer listened and raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He certainly didn't want a repeat of their last excursion underwater but all missions were dangerous in their own way.

"They are needed assistance with their weather control systems and we are the only ship close enough that has not got an assigned duty," Ledeya commented glancing at Ryon. They had theories that it was not all but she was not going to admit that there and then.

"Oooh, I haven't work on one of those in a long time. Perhaps a nice little challenge. I mean I'm sure we can assist them, I'm not doubting our abilities. I'd have to take a look of course first but I'm still fairly confident . . . " Karis's voice trailed off when she realized she was rambling.

"I am sure between us Lieutenant we will be successful," Viraral said kindly cutting through the rambling and awkwardness of what the younger woman had said. It was adorable her excitement for something like that. "It has been many years since I have worked on an original colonist one." He admitted looking at the specs for New Rixx.

Ranav raised an eyebrow, "we should ensure the safety of the colonists, things can go really bad quickly in situations like this."

"The colonists are already following through with there evacuation plans for situations like this but I am sure they will need medical assistance once we arrive there. We arrive in seven hours so I hope that is enough time for everyone to prepare." It was not often that Ehestri liked to used the QSD but the need and rush of the situation was taking her reluctance away. “So anyone have any questions?” When no one piped up Ledeya smiled and dismissed. This was certainly going to be interesting and different.