An Interview with the Captain

Posted on 16 Feb 2019 @ 9:18pm by Captain Abigail Rhodes & Ensign Trixia Sh'rhovek

Mission: Prologue
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: One day after launch

ON:

They had been under way for just a day when Abby had requested the new Operations Ensign to stop by her office at her first convenience.  There wasn't a lot to do quite yet, so she expected the meeting would occur pretty soon.  She wouldn't be able to do it with everyone who came aboard, of course, but with the Andorian being one of the few permanent assignees, she'd be basically running Operations while enroute.  Abby felt it was prudent to get to know the girl.  Plus, it allowed her to brush up on her interviewing skills.

Abby looked up in brief surprise as her door chime sounded.  It was the first time she had heard it, and it took a moment to register that's what it was.  "Enter," she said as she set aside her mug of coffee.  "Ah, Trixia," she smiled at the Andorian who entered, finally remembering the girl's name.

Trixia snapped to attention and reported "Sir," formally.

Abby waved her down, "At ease, Trixia.  Have a seat.  And please call me Captain or Ma'am."

The young Ensign nodded once, relaxed slightly, and sat rigidly in the offered chair.  After a moment of indecision, she huffed sligthly. "I'm sorry, ma'am, I'm confused.  What's this about?  Did I do something wrong?"

Abby shook her head kindly, "No, no, Ensign.  Nothing like that.  It's just that you're the first permanent assignment, other than the XO, to my command.  We have a months-long cruise ahead of us, so I thought I'd get to know you."

Trixia relaxed further, "There's not much to tell, ma'am.  I graduated about a week before we left."

"So you came aboard for convenience?"

"Well, yes, sort of.  I also thought it would be a good idea to use the time to familiarize myself with the ship's systems."

Abby nodded approvingly.  "That it is.  You're the only permanent Ops assignee right now, so you'll basically be in charge of the department."

"Oh.  really?"  Trixia's eyes widened.  If in shock or fear couldn't be discerned.

"Don't worry, there won't be much to do.  Just make sure all the diagnostics get performed and the reports get filed.  I doubt a ship straight out of spacedock will break down much."  Abby tried to reassure her.

"If anything is going to go wrong, it'll be in the next few days," Trixia commented.  "But yes, ma'am, as long as we get through that breaking-in period, it's a good bet the ship's systems will operate within parameters until something external occurs, or if we push her too far."

Abby nodded, satisfied with the Ensign's assessment.  For what it was worth, the girl didn't immediately panic at the thought of being in charge.  Good, Abby thought, she'll make a fine officer.  "So, what do you think of our assignment?"

"Well, I'm excited for the adventure," Trixia replied, "but it really is very far away."

"If it helps, we're not Voyager.  There are subspace relays all the way out so we can communicate."

"Still," Trixia seemed a bit insecure, fidgeting slightly.  "There's just something about being there."

Abby nodded, and resisted the urge to hug the Ensign.  She understood how it felt, being so far from home for such a long time.  She had had many assignments like it in her time.  "You'll get used to it," she said, "You'll make friends, and you'll be able to speak to those you left.  Before you know it, you'll have a life out here that'll be just as much home as Andoria."

"I don't know, ma'am, is that how you feel about Earth?"

Abby chuckled briefly, "Well, no, not really."  she had to admit the Ensign had some insight.  "I have made every starship I've served on into my home.  I have been comfortable, making a life out here.  But yes, Earth will always be Earth.  I will go back one day, but in the meantime, my life won't wait."

Trixia nodded and the ready room fell silent.  To break it, Abby asked, "What brought you to join Starfleet?"

"It… was a boy."

Abby's eyebrow rose in surprise.  That wasn't in her file, and it was a bit worrying.  Those who joined because their teenage crush did didn't often do well.

Trixia seemed to notice the Captain's trepidation and launched into more of an explanation.  "I mean, we had some fun, but it was short and I understood that.  What he did do was open my eyes to the potential adventure out here.  Before I met him, all I knew was Andoria, and I was prepared to spend my life in a career there, though I wasn't sure what I'd want to do.  Once I was exposed to Starfleet, I knew that's what I wanted."

Abby nodded, "Well, as your first assignment, use this posting to prove it.  Your first assignment, and the trials you face there, can make or break one's career."  Abby knew that fact intimately.  Her first assignment not only almost broke her career, but almost broke her.

"Yes, ma'am.  I won't let you down."

"I'll hold you to that, Ensign.  Dismissed."

OFF:

Captain Abigail Rhodes
Commanding Officer
USS Mark Miller

Ensign Trixia Sh'rhovek
Operations Officer
USS Mark Miller