Long Overdue

Posted on Sat Nov 7th, 2026 @ 5:23pm by Captain Shran dh'Klar & Commander Jonathan Grayson & Commander Callie Raven-Grayson

862 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Creatures of the Night
Location: Captain's Ready Room

It had been a strange last few days aboard the Washington. Most of the senior officers had been down to the planet Stoker and returned reporting things that were supernatural in nature. Many had returned bloody, and it was reported that a few of the captain's away team did not return. Others had visited a derelict and dealt with eerie goings on of their own. Considering all that had happened, it made sense that the captain had been quiet since his return from the planet. The Washington had broken orbit of the planet only a few hours ago and was now travelling to an unknown destination at low warp. Shran had called for Jon to report to his Ready Room, and now five minutes later, he had called for Callie.

Jon arrived at the captain's Ready Room. "You wanted to see me sir?" He asked trying to forget about their experience on the derelict ship.

Shran greeted his XO and explained the situation. Once he had spoken with Jon briefly, he signaled for Callie.

Callie arrived giving Shran and Jon a warm smile as she did so. “What can I do for you Captain?”

Shran had his usual stoic look about him, and he gave off little for the empath to read. "Callie, please come in. I wanted to speak with you about a certain matter."

Jon had his game face on to keep Callie from guessing what was going on. he hoped Shran's stoic attitude would do the trick.

Callie had learned that reading Shran wasn’t always the easiest, he had a way of keeping his emotions guarded. As for Jon he was another matter, she gave them both a curious look. “What matter would that be Sir?”

Shran stood and walked around his desk. "Counselor, you have been here for a long time. You have done your duty, and now you are getting your long overdue reward." He pulled a pip from his pocket, looked to Jon, and handed it to him. "Counselor, I am hereby promoting you to the rank of Commander, with all the responsibilities and privileges that come with it."

Jon took the pip and turned to face Callie. "This is a great honor for me sweetheart. You deserve this, you earned it and wear it proudly." Jon said as he affixed the new pip to her collar. "Congratulations again Commander Raven-Grayson."

Callie opened her mouth to speak before pausing and closing it again. She gave it a moment before responding. “I wasn’t expecting this, it’s just…” she paused. “Wow!” She grinned trying not to get emotional over it. “Thank you Captain, and you too Jon.”

"Don't second guess yourself Callie, you earned and you deserve this." Jon stressed.

Callie’s smile practically shone.

"Of course, this means more bridge duty for you moving forward Counselor. May even put you in charge of an away team or two moving forward" Shran said with a wry grin.

"She can handle it sir. Just let her get a little more experience." Jon added all while smiling brightly at Callie's accomplishment.

“I’d been expecting bridge duty, but not away team lead” Callie added. “As Jon said I need to gather some experience before then though.”

"I don't plan to throw you in the deep end immediately Commander, but you will need to be ready for whatever comes at you as it comes" Shran noted. "We'll start you off with something easy, bridge command on Gamma shift one night a week. You'll have Phoenix and Kuzma at Tactical and Ops, they can handle most issues that might pop up. Feel up to it Commander?"

"One night a week, will work well Callie. It will give you the experience you need in just being in charge while not be overly stressful or tedious for you." Jon pointed out.

“I’m up for it Sir” Callie nodded enthusiastically. “I have to get experience somewhere so that’ll be a good start. I will do my upmost not to let either of you down.”

"You never disappoint or let me or us down Callie. We know you are going to do your best." Jon said with a smile.

Callie nodded and smiled. “I have lots of learning ahead of me. I’m going to enjoy the challenge.”

"Welcome to the big-time counselor. Leading people is a daunting task" Shran noted.

“There I was thinking Counselling was a minefield.” Callie grinned.

"You have just exchanged one minefield for another with its own dangers and pitfalls." Jon answered.

“I will do my very best, and better to make you both proud.” Callie smiled warmly, this was a momentous day for her.

"Congratulations again Callie" Shran said, a bit more personal now. "You have a day to prepare for your first shift in command. Make the best of the time. It is advantageous, with Sam being hurt down on the planet, so you will allow her time to mend. With luck it will be a quiet first night for you. Now, I believe we have some champagne for you. Just one glass, we are all still on duty" he said with a smile.

 

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