Late Departure

Posted on Mon Jan 24th, 2022 @ 11:15pm by Commander Leah Sullivan & Lieutenant Kari Burke & Lieutenant Torn Thoveh

Mission: Overhaul
Location: Captain's Ready Room

Leah sat in her ready room, checking and re-checking everything was ready for their departure. She didn't want to make a fool of herself while heading out on their first mission. Two incoming messages hit her screen at the same time, so she opened them up side-by-side.

"Huh," she said, her eyebrows popping up. She had an updated ship roster with an empty Chief Security/Tactical position, and an automated transfer order, signed by someone in Vice-Admiral Francsizka's office, authorizing a transfer for Lieutenant Torn Thoveh.

Within moments, the door chime sounded. "Come," she said and looked up to see Lieutenant Thoveh approaching her desk. "Lieutenant, I just received transfer orders for you only moments ago."

The Andorian nodded. "I saw an opportunity while on base, and I took it," he said, not wanting to give up more information.

"I see that you'll be the Chief on the USS Minotaur, an Akira class," she continued. "That's a step up."

"I believe that it is," he agreed. "It appears that they needed me for my expertise and were very happy to have me. It's good to feel wanted."

Leah nodded sagely. "And...you didn't feel wanted here?"

It was several moments before he replied, obviously considering whether or not he would tell her off or just go. "I felt the need for a change."

"Well, I hope that my recommendation for you helped in some small way. After all of your hard work and leadership on the Protean, it was the least I could do."

Torn's eyes ever-so-slightly widened at her words. "You...recommended me?"

"Well, not specifically for the Minotaur, but I knew you weren't happy here. Admiral Francsizka had picked up on some displeasure from you and asked me to write one, which I was happy to do."

"Because we never got along?" Torn said, trying to get a few barbs in before he left.

Leah shook her head briefly. "No. Because you were wasted here. I know what you're capable of, and it is so much more than babysitting a bunch of scientists. The Minotaur is a heavy cruiser and much more likely to see action than the Protean ever will, and likely to have more high-risk away missions." She paused briefly. "After our many conversations, it was a no-brainer."

"You wanted me off the ship?" he asked.

Leah huffed and sat back in her chair. "No, Lieutenant. You put in the transfer request, did you not?" She didn't give him a chance to respond. "I merely made sure you were placed in a good posting, someplace deserving of your talents."

He looked a bit unsure of how the conversation was going. She had wanted him to stay, but had helped him take a better position? Could it be that she was genuinely attempting to help him get what he wanted? After another moment, he spoke. "Thank you, Commander."

"You deserve it, Lieutenant," she said, finally smiling after he had no choice but to thank her. "Besides, the Minotaur would benefit from your knowledge. I fully believe that." She stood and rounded the desk, which forced him to stand as well out of respect. "Good luck, Lieutenant," she said as she stuck out her hand.

Torn hesitated only briefly, but he finally shook her hand. "Thank you. And, for what it's worth, I think you'll do well here."

With that, he turned on his heels and walked out. Circling back around to her chair, she flopped down and let out a huff. "I never thought he'd leave." But now she had a senior staff position open, and they were supposed to depart the next day.

Tapping her comm badge, she summoned Kari to her ready room. In moments, Burke was standing in front of her. "Reporting as ordered, Captain."

Leah still couldn't get used to being referred to as Captain, even though she was didn't hold that rank. It made sense, though, since there were hundreds of years of history and reasoning behind it.

"Congratulations, Lieutenant," Leah said as she folded her hands and leaned onto the desk. "You have been promoted to second officer. Lieutenant Thoveh has transferred to the USS Minotaur and you're next in line. Are you up for it?"

"Wha--oh, absolutely, boss!" She blinked a moment. "So he's, like, gone gone? Like, when he passed through the bridge he was leaving?"

"That's correct."

She did the same thing Leah had done earlier, letting out a deep breath and muttering, "I didn't think he'd ever leave. Is Minna taking over security?"

"Not enough time in service to promote him to Lieutenant," Leah replied with a shake of her head. "I'll have to pull someone from the base."

"Hopefully they have someone."

Leah shrugged. "If not, Minna can fill in until a replacement is found. And, listen, now is your time to shine, okay? It's not long you'll be eligible for a promotion, and this will help. But I want to be clear, Kari: this promotion came about because you are the next senior, not because we are friends."

Kari smirked. "I know you better than to think this is because were friends."

"That's good, hotshot. Dismissed." With Kari out of the room, she made a call to the personnel office on the base with her need.

"It seems as if the Vice Admiral already has a replacement lined up for you," the j.g. on the other end of the line said. "Lieutenant Zema. I'll send her file over. She should be reporting to you within the hour."

"This was easier than I thought," Leah said with a smile. "I'll have to find time to thank the admiral the next time I'm on base. Thank you."

"Anytime, ma'am."

The screen went black and Leah opened the file. "Bajoran, served with distinction, promoted to Lieutenant six months ago." She chuckled. I wonder how Bevan is going to react with a bridge full of women. This should be interesting."

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LCDR Leah Sullivan
LT Torn Thoveh
LT Kari Burke