A Day In The Life...

Posted on Sun Jan 16th, 2022 @ 4:58pm by Lieutenant Commander Lochlan Noir [GM] & Lieutenant Nikolai Andropov [Adoptable] & Lieutenant JG Corus Sprint [GM] & Lieutenant JG Jem Lockley [GM] & Ensign Qaylan Furlong [Adoptable][GM] & Game Master & Lieutenant JG Ralph Furlong [Adoptable] & Lieutenant JG Thaddeus Quint MD [GM] & Ensign Anastasia Targus [Adoptable]
Edited on on Fri Jul 5th, 2024 @ 4:06pm

3,057 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: Interdimensional Archives
Location: Typhon Expanse, Alpha Quadrant
Timeline: Prime Universe, 2390

ON

USS Righteous'
Ready Room

"Acting Captain's Log, Lieutenant Commander Lochlan Noir." Lock said as he sat at the Captain's desk, glancing around at the pieces of art and models the Captain kept on display; an Excelsior class starship being one of them for obvious reasons. It made Lochlan smile.

He felt right being in command though wrong at the same time considering that he was here and the Captain nor the First Officer wasn't. It may also be that he was filling in for the ship's leadership and it wasn't a command he earned. He didn't have any Executive Officer experience yet well not directly anyway but one of his symbiont's previous hosts had plenty of leadership experience.

"Unexpectedly Starfleet Command had both the Captain, First Officer and our Chief Engineer sent on a classified mission away from the ship. It is unknown when they might return. The Captain put me in command being Second Officer and we were only starting the survey when they left, there were other personnel movements off the ship prior to the survey as well, and some who didn't arrive on time, so I had to do some position placements. I did make it clear it is temporary, mainly those in the senior staff, but they all seemed to be excited with the chance I have given them." He explained and took a breath.

"While I can draw on my previous hosts memories about how to command it is different to actually being in command so I am somewhat grateful and apprehensive about the situation. Thankfully the survey was uneventful though interesting, we are actually on our way to Starbase 219 after a week long survey mission in the Typhon Expanse, so unless something crazy happens... End log."

The Joined Trill stood and tapped the computer that archived his log entry before the display went blank. Lochlan glanced around then went to the window to watch the nebulous gases of the Expanse as the Righteous made its way at full impulse back into normal space.

Security Office

Master Warrant Officer Bhen Dae leaned in the chair, on foot propped up on the edge of the desk, the other resting firmly on it. He caught the PaDD he'd tossed into the air, then threw it up again. "Status?" he asked after checking the chrono.

"Still on route, sensors reading are the same," came the response. The survey was finally over. It was only a week. At the Expanse. There was also travel time and now the travel time back to 219. Typically his job was investigations which meant he was typically assigned to Galaxy class ships, stations or planet-side commands. This time, though, the Righteous was being sent on a routine scientific survey right after the security chief was transferred. Since Bhen was already at the station and on travel orders when the Righteous was set to ship out, CnC just assigned Bhen to the ship as acting chief. Which is why he was here, sitting in the security office thoroughly bored.

Okay, so it wasn't a small Defiant class ship, but it was still configured as a scientific vessel for this particular tour and that meant that the worst he had to deal with as a security officer were arguments over who got to use computing time or sensor arrays. Matters that he promptly sent to the ship's administration to handle since it had very little security interest. Unless the squints were going to start throwing hands in which case Bhen would have been sure to replicate lots of popcorn for that show.

He sighed as he caught the PaDD once more and then leaned forward and set it on the desk. "Guess I should make an appearance on the bridge and do my rounds," he said as he stood and pulled down his tunic. "Then maybe stop by the mess and grab lunch."

"You sure you don't want to stop by the armory and grab a couple phaser rifles? Might get hairy out there," Petty Officer Garber asked with a smile.

"I can tell that what you think you're saying is funny," Dae said as he passed by and headed for the corridor, "but so very not."

"They aren't that competitive," Lieutenant JG Corus Sprint, the Master-At-Arms, said after the Kobliad entered the office. "Though some are," he said after a moment's consideration with a half smirk.

Tactical Officer, Ensign Anastasia Targus entered after Corus and rolled her eyes. "Like none of you bitch about holodeck time or replicator credits at the same intensity," she teased, she did as well though not as loud.

Corus eyed his friend and narrowed them at her though he kept his half smirk, Anna made a 'what-ever' face and they laughed, though hers was tempered a bit by annoyance.

"Sounds like someone managed to continue their long standing losing streak to their opponent," Dae said as he passed the pair on the way out.

Garber folded his arms across his chest as he leaned back in his chair. "Another 'training session' go well did it?"

"My training sessions always go well." Corus supplied with a full smirk now.

Anna simply grunted. "Ugh." She headed off to put her phaser back into the lockers. Corus laughed at her back but he knew she was probably reluctantly smiling, a little at least. He turned around to Dae. "Where are you going?" He asked.

"Up to the Bridge then a round of the ship," Dae answered at the door. He stopped for a moment. "Since we're not doing much but transiting back to 219, how about you set up a phaser and DT quals for the department? Get those signed off before we hit port."

Garber groaned. He hated going through the stupid qualifications. They were usually slow, boring and formulaic. "Could we do it on the holodeck this time?" he asked, "Maybe tie it into a holonovel or something? I just can't get excited about the usual stand at the line and shot at a target downrange deal."

Corus smiled. "That is a great idea sirs, I'll get on it right away. Expect an announcement in an hour or so, just for security or all personnel?" The Kobliad Master-At-Arms asked with a grin as he walked out to join Dae in the corridor.

Just outside the door Dae stopped and faced Sprint. "Work on the schedule for Security for now, I'll speak with the captain about doing the entire ship. Aside from the squints, the ship doesn't have much to do anyway. Which reminds me of something else. I understand there's going to be some sort of celebration for one of the Engineering crew. Shouldn't get out of hand but let the Beta shift know about it anyway and their only response should be to make sure it doesn't get out of hand and disturb others. If that's the case, see about moving the celebration to the lounge or messhall. They can clear those out for the night for a 'special function'." Dae continued walking, "But see about getting those quals set up. And Garber's right, try to make them a bit more fun if you can."

A confused expression came onto Corus' face. "Isn't it in the lounges or mess halls already?" He asked as he walked with Dae.

"How should I know where it's at?" Dae asked as he kept walking, "I wasn't invited. Sheesh, can you imagine a party with squints? Sounds like punishment to me."

Corus blinked. "Cause it is the place to hold a party, not in key areas like Engineering." He said and smiled. "Neither was I, but I don't care." He added but didn't comment on the term used. "Enjoy Bridge duty." Corus said and turned around and headed to the nearest Holodeck to arrange everything. There were plenty of combat simulations after all, might as well use them.

Engineering

With the Chief Engineer off the ship, Ensign Geno, a male Saurian, currently as Assistant Chief Engineer continued to run things in Engineering as is. There was no real reason to shift anyone around in Engineering so nothing happened. Geno was at the main display table that had an outline of the ship and major systems indicators along with various other control panels tapping away at them, he did have a few pet projects in the works.

Meanwhile Ensign Kharak was standing by another engineer's side talking about possible plans they could have together, the male Denobulan was kind of infamous for his exploits onboard. Though no actual details had circulated to Kharak's disappointment, there wasn't much else to do since there hadn't been any damage to the ship during their week long survey of the Typhon Expanse.

Maybe a replacement or two of shield emitter relays but that was it, Kharak of course tended to tasks given to him when asked.

Lochlan walked out of the turbolift in Engineering, he wasn't looking to speak with anyone, he had been bored and so was touring the ship as he knew the Captain used to do when there wasn't much action going on. It seemed like a good tradition to keep. He nodded to those who saluted, that was what their Captain wanted from his crew though Lochlan didn't really see it as necessary unless actual orders were given or disciplinary procedures were given out.

He had his hands behind his back as he found himself doing thanks to Tarzul's military habits. Lochlan approached the warp core as it pulsed, they were at factor 3. They had finished the survey a little ahead of schedule but most of the crew didn't notice that so he'd planned their return to Starbase 219 a few days later. Thankfully Chief Strategic Operations Officer Lieutenant Nikolai Andropov had accepted the Acting Executive Officer position while still having his normal duties, which weren't much at this time so he'd left his department, it was a small department as well like two officers and three enlisted specialists, to his second.

Andropov was on the Bridge while Lochlan was 'touring', they seemed to be getting along. The Joined Trill wasn't sure sometimes but the Lieutenant hadn't made any complaints or arguments so far so they were good for now.

"Did you need something, Captain?" Ensign Geno asked spotting the ship's CO standing in front of the ship's warp core. The blue light pulsed on the mammalian's pink skin turning it a short of ashen color. Though, considering the near full body itch during this time of molting, he found himself somewhat envious of the mammalian lack of shedding their outer layers.

"Hello Chief, no thank you-- though how is everything?" Lock asked still facing the core, somewhat memorized by the pulsing.

"We are operating within operational efficiency," Geno answered. "Though when we next shut down from warp I wish to realign the dilithium matrix. We have a drop of point zero zero one seven percent efficiency. My statistical models say an adjustment will not only regain that lost efficiency but allow us to gain an additional point zero zero zero three two percent." He stood straighter, his chin lifted. He was not only pleased with himself for being able to create so much more efficiency in the warp engines but also managed to go two and a half hours now without even an inadvertent scratch. Later, when his duty shift ended, he could have a nice hot sonic shower and then rub lotion into his skin to help with the molting process.

All the zeros grabbed Lochlan's attention and he turned to face Geno. "Point zero zero zero three two percent you say? Does that increase our maximum warp duration?" He asked.

Ensign Geno's facial features indicated his confusion at the question. "Yes," he answered but drew out the single syllable as he did the calculations. "By three point four two seven eight seconds." He smiled, once again proud that he had demonstrable data to back up his request.

"That could be the difference between life or death, well done Chief." Lock smiled, he had a quick called from the bridge asking for them to speed up. He obliged them with making the suggestion official, he turned back to Geno.

"Indubitably," Geno answered with all seriousness. "Of course, while we are shut down from warp drive, we can also work to realign the isolinear to bioneural interfaces. I have noticed a negligible lag in response that I believe can be mostly eradicated."

"We may be in spacedock for a time, so do what you need to do but make sure we can fly when ordered to a moment's notice," Lock said, a half smile on his lips, he had to keep going as he'd have to go back to the bridge before the day is finished.

Geno nodded at both the captain's 'suggestion' of waiting until they returned to their station of port and that he was taking leave. Sadly, though, he didn't like waiting. He was currently the acting Chief of Engineering so the improvements would be his accomplishments. When they returned to the station they would most likely be reunited with the command crew, including the Chief. Then, even though it would be his work and calculations that made the improvements the transitive properties of being the main engineer of the ship, the Chief would get the praise and acknowledgement of the improved functioning. He held off his sigh, though, because Starfleet was not about personal accomplishments. "Very well, Captain, enjoy the rest of your day."

"Thank you and you as well." Lock replied and walked off out of Engineering.

Bridge

Dae stepped off the turbolift and onto the Bridge. He gave a quick look around. It seemed the doldrums of the uneventful trip back to the starbase was catching. A skeletal crew remained on the Bridge, led by Lieutenant Andropov. First thing's first, he checked in with the officer at tactical only to receive the same "status: normal and uneventful" report that Garber gave him back in Security.

"How's everything going?" Dae asked Andropov. "Any chance of something interesting coming our way?"

"Boring, that's what is going on..." Nik began and glanced up from his padd. "Hello, I don't think so, maybe I can convince the Captain to make us go faster..." he said as he rubbed at his chin with his index and thumb.

Dae shrugged as he took the mission advisor seat and glanced at the viewscreen. Long streaks of light shifting from white-blue to red indicated the galaxy passing by them as they traveled at warp. "I'm not sure you'd get much argument from the crew on arriving back at port even earlier." He knew he wouldn't mind it. He was due to rotate off this shift and back to his normal role on the station when they returned. "In the meantime however, what would you say to a whole crew weapons and DT qualifications? Sprint is working on creating holodeck practicals to make them at least interesting."

Nikolai nodded with a sigh. "They could be more fun and not a chore. I look forward to seeing what Sprint comes up with. I take it you prefer working on a station than a starship?" Nik asked though held up his hand as he decided to quickly call the Captain. =/\="Andropov to Noir, permission to speed up to Warp factor 6, I think we all are eager for our next mission sir."=/\=

=/\="Noir here, very well Lieutenant, increase to Warp 6."=/\= The channel closed.

A smile crossed Nikolai's face. "Told ya, back to my question." He gestured at Dae to answer.

"Well, Lieutenant," Dae said, relaxing in the chair. "I'm an investigator by training and it's what I like doing. There's usually not much to investigate on starship filled with Starfleet personnel. Even less when that starship's assignment is a survey mission to the asscrack of nowhere." He shrugged. "When not wrangling the circus's monkeys, you usually work StratOps right? Kind of like that, not much call for strategic operations on a scientific survey is there?"

"You got that right, the best job is reading what other ships are doing on the StratOps subspace channels." Nik replied, though he grinned. "Then the Captain offered me First Officer position, it will help me get command experience so one day I can apply for command."

Dae smiled. "Just remember that with command of the circus comes responsibility for the monkeys that goes with it. Thankfully we don't have any Marines on this ship. Those monkeys fling poo. Crayon colored poo. Of course, we let the security teams remain bored they might start flinging poo. Only that would be caffeine and fried dough infused poo."

"Please stop saying poo. What are you 10?" Nik asked with a playfully annoyed expression. "Crayon?" He asked after a moment when he realised what Dae had just said.

Poo, poo. Poo, poo, poo, poo, poo, poo, Dae thought to himself with a smile. He leaned forward, dropping his voice to add a conspiratorial air to what he was saying. "It is a well documented, if not little known, fact about Marine field rations. While we in Starfleet enjoy delicious and nutritious meals," he stopped to let the irony of that statement settle. It was widely considered that field rations were recycled cardboard flavored with expired seasoning. "Marines however get issued a box of crayons which is okay, because when they're not licking windows they're debating the fine dining merits of crayons."

He stood with a slap to a knee. "I'm off, Lieutenant," he said. "I'll let Sprint now to make the training sessions shipwide. It'll at least relieve some of the ennui traveling back to the station has caused."

Nik just stared at Master Warrant Officer Bhen Dae, Acting Chief of Security for several moments then nodded, "very well, no crayons, if I don't see you while we are docked then I wish you the best."

"And you, Lieutenant," Dae said before heading to the exit to resume his round of the ship.

off

OOC: Non Manifest NPCs:
Master Warrant Officer Bhen Dae
Acting Security Chief

Petty Officer Alexander Garber
Security Team Lead

 

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