Into the Unknown

Posted on Wed Apr 29th, 2020 @ 7:34am by Commander Jonathan Grayson & Captain Shran dh'Klar & Lieutenant Cassia Cavendish

Mission: Unto Darkness, Light
Location: USS Washington

Shran sat in his command chair on the bridge, looking over the latest data coming in from the science stations which were doing extensive scans of the area. It wasn't exactly his sort of thing precisely, but the data was useful from a tactical perspective if nothing else. He expected the scientific folks back at command to enjoy pouring over all this data once it was compiled and sent out. He was awaiting Jon to return to the bridge now that they were back from Ivor Prime. The initial report seemed to indicate everything was good.

The turbolift opened in the back of the bridge and Shran could sense his XO. "Enjoy your stroll Jon?" asked Shran, a hint of joviality in his voice.

"It was informative if not brief. They have done an amazing job in rebuilding their world." Jon replied as he handed Shran the PaDD.

Shran nodded as he took the PADD from Grayson. "Good to hear they have managed to get things back on track. The doctor seems to have a great many things to say regarding the health and wellness, and I suspect I can expect an equally glowing report from the counselor as well. I look forward to get a full briefing from you at say, 1700 in the conference room?"

"Certainly sir. 1700 will be fine." Jon replied agreeably.

"Excellent" replied Shran. "We'll remain in orbit until 2100 and then make our way to our primary destination, Bellum III. The science stations are reporting promising data from the long range probe. I'd like for you to meet with our new Chief Flight Officer who arrived while you were on the surface, a Lt. Cavendish and make sure she is on the bridge when we depart. I'd like for us to arrive there quickly, but not overly so. I'll let you discuss with the science departments and with Celes to determine how much prep time they need. Don't let them have too much time of course; ideally I think 2 days at the most should be satisfactory."

"Understood sir I'll get with Celes and work out and adequate prep time." Jon answered as his eyes went to Cassia. "Lt. Cavendish, it is a pleasure to have you. I hope you like it here on the Washington. Any questions don't hesitate to ask." He finished pleasantly.

Shran exited the bridge leaving Jon in command.

"Commander" Cassia replied calmly.

"Lieutenant." Jon replied pleasantly, "Where did you transfer in from?"

"The USS Victory Sir." Cassia replied. "She was decommissioned."

"A good ship, with a good crew. We're fortunate to have you." Jon replied honestly.

"Yes Sir Thank you sir." The flight control chief said. "Just letting you know sir, I don't do away missions on Ice planets."

Jon tilted his head at the new information. " I'm guessing there a reason for this Lieutenant. Would you be kind enough to regale me with it?"

"I spent two years on an Icy hellhole of a planet as a prisoner of the Breen Sir. I am not looking to recreate those memories." She said it so matter of factually, so monotone like, it was obviously recited.

Jon was silent as Cassia told her story. When she had finished he spoke quietly but sincerely. "I'm sorry Lieutenant, I truly am for what you had to endure. I know you were in hell and I don't wish that on anyone. You have my word you will never be part of an away team to an Ice planet."

"Thank you Commander." Cassia replied. "I am fully trained on all shuttle craft and vessels within the fleet." She added.

Jon smiled at that information. "Now, that is good to know Always looking for experienced shuttle pilots. Consider yourself at the top of the list when it comes to needing a shuttle pilot. Lieutenant."

"The department has a fully qualified Shuttle pilot Commander, in the form of Lieutenant L'Rissa." Cassia reminded him.

"Are you contradicting me Lieutenant?" Jon asked a joking tone to his voice.

"Sir, I am merely reminding the commander that, the best person for the job is already assigned."

"Ah. I see. So you thought I forgot about Lt. L'Rissa's qualifications is that it?" Jon bantered.

Cassia crossed her arms, a defensive move, a nervous move she had thought she had lost but she kept her gaze steady. "If the commander's memory is failing, he should see a doctor, I am not qualified to make that assessment."

Jon caught Cassia's tone as well as her crossed arms and realized he may have pushed one step too far. "Easy Lieutenant, I was merely joking and my memory is not failing."

"very well sir" She slowly uncross her arms.

"My sense of humor takes some getting use to." Jon remarked by way of explanation. "Hopefully you will at least grow to tolerate it."

"Yes Sir" came the reply. She highly doubted that somehow.