Change of (Roles in) Command

Posted on 12 May 2024 @ 8:03am by Lieutenant Commander Stovek & Captain Bane Plase

738 words; about a 4 minute read

On

The last two hours had been a whirlwind. Little progress had been made on the origins of the substance on the Freighter, the Freighters origins, it's destination, or it's use.

Then came the accident. Lieutenant Seitha had been caught in the blast, severely injuring him and rendering him unconscious. It wasn't yet known if he'd live. Dr. Winters was with him now.

With that situation under control, Bane had turned to the more immediate logistics of command - replacing the key position of Second Officer. Speaking briefly with the Executive Officer, Bast had only one recommendation, and Bane agreed with it.

Plase stepped up to the Ops console and put his hand on the Vulcans shoulder, getting his attention. "Do you have a few moments to spare, Commander?"

Although he did not show any sign outwardly, the Vulcan was mildly startled; he had been focused like a laser on data collation and management of the Cygnus’s computer resources, and thus was only peripherally aware that the Captain was approaching. Stovek turned his head slightly to the left and turned the corners of his mouth almost imperceptibly upward…the closest he ever got to a smile. “Of course, Captain. What can I do for you?”

Bane didn't see the un-Vulcan like tug at the corner of Stovek's lips. He hadn't been looking for it, so naturally, he missed it. "Really tough and unfortunate for Lieutenant Seitha over there, wasn't it." Just as the Vulcan had changed almost imperceptibly, so too did the demeanor of the Captain.

“Most undesirable circumstances,” said Stovek with a curt nod. “With a bit of assistance, I could reconfigure the Ops console to take over a significant portion of Lieutenant Seitha’s tactical duties. If that would be helpful, Sir.”

"I do want you to take over his duties, but I believe Lieutenant Jaco can handle Security," Bane said, referring to the Gallamite junior lieutenant.

“Clearly, Mister Jaco can handle that,” said Stovek, acutely aware that the Gallamite’s clear skull had unwittingly become the object of a bad pun. “Are you referring to Mister Seitha’s duties as Second Officer?”

Bane groaned and slapped his own forehead at the Vulcan humor. Choosing to carry on, Bane nodded. "Yes. I wish to evaluate your command potential and allow it to flourish. Of course, it is a lot more responsibility and a lot more effort required on your part. You'll be expected to act and perform at the standards in which you and the crew expect of me."

Stovek simply nodded. “My extensive service record has prepared me well for a position such as this. I shall endeavor to set a high standard for integrity and industriousness.” He looked down at the data display. “Don’t let my ex wife hear that…she might debate you.”

The Captain smiled. "Your secret is safe with me. However, if there is one universal truth that I have learned in this mortal coil, it is that the ex always finds out," he said with a smile. Bane then stepped back a step and informed the computer, making it official. "Computer, on this date and at this time, relieve Lieutenant Seitha of the duties of Security Officer and Second Officer, and place him on medical convalescence. Advance Lieutenant junior grade Meda Jaco to Acting Chief of Security."

The computer chirruped and responded, "Lieutenant Seitha has been relieved of duty and placed on medical convalescence. Lieutenant junior grade Meda Jaco has been assigned the duties and responsibilities of Acting Chief of Security."

The Captain continued. "Computer, advance Lieutenant Commander Stovek to the duties and responsibilities of Second Officer of the U.S.S. Cygnus, with access rights and privilege's pertaining thereto."

The computer chirruped and responded again. "Lieutenant Commander Stovek is now the Second Officer of this vessel."

Bane looked back at Stovek. "Congratulations, Mr. Stovek. Welcome to command."

“Thank you,” said Stovek with a curt nod. “My first official suggestion will be the installation of a Disco Ball in the crew lounge.”

Bane blinked once, then twice, curious if the Vulcan was joking. He finally looked over to Lieutenant Toral, and with a deadpan expression and tone, said, "This is who I pick to be third in command of this vessel. Such is my life."

OFF

Bane Plase, Captain
USS Cygnus, Commanding

and

Lieutenant Commander Stovek
Chief of Operations and Second Officer
USS Cygnus

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