Girl's Night

Posted on Tue Jan 25th, 2022 @ 4:30pm by Vice Admiral Diana Francsizka & Commander Leah Sullivan & Lieutenant Kari Burke & Lieutenant JG C'hens Gikuo

Mission: Overhaul
Location: Deck 1 - CO's Quarters

"Well, ladies," Leah said as she sat next to C'hens, "it's our last night in spacedock. Are you sure you want to spend it drinking in my quarters?"

"Absolutely," the Caitian replied. "It's been far too long since we have enjoyed each other's company outside of a work setting."

"She's right, you know," Burke added as she sipped at the white wine in her glass. "Unfortunately, I think it's going to become a little more infrequent now that you're our CO."

"Man, I hope not," Leah replied. "I mean, I know some things will have to change. I can't show favoritism, so I'll either need to stop having people over or start having more varied people over." With a huff, she fell back onto the chair. "Ugh. I can't have my girls visiting? I mean, I like having a ship, but...my friends."

The door chimed and everyone fell silent. It wasn't totally abnormal for Leah to have the occasional visitor, but those who usually called on her were already in the room with her. Standing, she walked to the door and opened it.

"I was beginning to wonder if you were going to just sit silent, hoping that I'd go away."

Behind her, Leah could hear both C'hens and Kari gasp, then she heard their glasses hit the table while they both stood.

"Admiral," Leah said. "Would you like to come in?"

"Thank you, but I won't stay long," Diana said as she stepped in. "Thank you, ladies," she said as she looked at C'hens and Kari, "but please, pay me no mind. You're off duty, so be off duty."

She winked at the ladies which C'hens thought was off-putting from a Vice Admiral. Kari, on the other hand, was in awe. She had just met her spirit animal.

Picking up on her thoughts, Diana raised an eyebrow at Kari and made a mental note to follow up on this young officer's career.

"Would you like something to drink, Admiral?" Leah asked.

Diana shook her head. "I won't be here that long, but thank you. I only stopped by to give you something."

"Okay," Leah replied, curious.

"A little backstory first," Diana said, taking the empty armchair. Since she was sitting, the others could finally sit as well. "As you probably realized, I am unorthodox within admiralty circles, but it has served me well. I generally get what I want when I want it, without much question."

"Oh, teach me, master," Kari said with a smile. "Leah, she's who I want to be when I grow up!"

Both Leah and C'hens chuckled as Diana smirked. "In due time, Lieutenant. But you're well on your way."

Kari could only giggle, knowing she'd caught the attention of a very important person in Starfleet.

"But today is for Leah. Did you know that Admiral Paris asked about you today?" she said, turning to face Leah.

"He...knows who I am?" the blonde asked.

Diana smirked. "He's in charge of Beta Quadrant operations, so he had better be at least vaguely familiar with all of his ship captains. Anyhow, he asked how you and the crew were holding up with all of the changes, and how you were doing so far as the new CO." To Diana's surprise, Leah didn't seem to be too concerned with the fact that two high-ranking officials had been discussing her career. "Cool as a cucumber," she thought before continuing.

"Of course, I told him only good things since that's all there is to report, but that got me looking through all of my ship captains which made me remember one rule that I always implement within my fleet." She took a moment to clear her throat. "Computer, voice authentication."

Voice recognition: Vice Admiral Diana Francsizka, Commanding Officer, Starbase 343.

"Computer, upon my authority, Leah Sullivan, commanding the USS Protean, is promoted to the rank of Commander, effective immediately. Update all Starfleet personnel files and grant additional access as required."

The computer chirped audibly for several moments before it responded. Files and access updated for Commander Leah Sullivan, USS Protean.

Leah stood, her mouth slightly agape. "A-Admiral?"

"I know it's a little early, dear," Diana replied with a wave of her hand, "but I don't care. All of my ships have at least a Commander running them. I just prefer it that way." With that, the admiral stood. "Now, just don't let me down."

Leah, C'hens, and Kari all stood as well. "I will do my absolute best not to, Admiral," Leah replied honestly. She knew better than to promise that she wouldn't, but one never knew the future and what might happen.

"That's all I can ask. Your orders will be sent to you tonight." Diana took one last look at the women in the room. "Goodnight, ladies."

As the door closed, Kari let out a shriek of joy and began jumping up and down excitedly. "Holy crap, Leah! Congratulations!" She stopped jumping long enough to hug her friend. "I really want to be like her one day. She's is so damn cool."

"Congratulations, Sully," C'hens said, albeit a bit more reservedly than Kari. "Early or not, you have earned this."

"Thank you both," Leah replied warmly.

"A toast," C'hens said, raising her glass, "to Commander Leah Sullivan. An amazing friend, and what I expect to be an equally amazing commanding officer."

"To Leah!" Kari said in response.

The trio talked, ate, and drank for hours before finally calling it a night and heading back to their own quarters. Leah locked the door and walked to her bedroom, removing her uniform as she went. Standing in front of the floor-length mirror, she brushed her hair and wondered if she were really up to this? Making decisions that will affect almost one hundred people is a daunting task.

"Suck it up, buttercup," she said as she slid into the bed. The Egyptian cotton sheets felt amazing against her bare skin. Despite this having formerly been someone else's cabin, she had done everything she could to make it her own. One of the first was to obtain a brand new mattress and several sets of sheets that suited her style.

"Showtime is tomorrow, Leah," she muttered. "I sure hope you're wearing your big girl pants when it's go-time." Letting out a soft sigh she added, "Computer, shut off the lights."

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Vice Admiral Diana Francsizka
Commander Leah Sullivan
Lieutenant Kari Burke
Lieutenant (j.g.) C'hens Gikuo