Meeting the Chief

Posted on Sun Oct 15th, 2023 @ 12:23am by Lieutenant Xavier Leiko & Lieutenant JG Astrja Kyan

Mission: Character Development
Location: Operations Office
919 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

Astrja bopped into the Operations Office, her satchel swinging. She spotted Leiko and snapped to attention and saluted. "Lieutenant, junior grade, Astrja Kyan, reporting for duty, sir." She smiled. "Do you prefer, sir? Chief? Boss?"

Xavier looked up when he heard the voice and couldn't help but smile. "At ease Lieutenant Kyan," he said, hating the formality his position required. He had been expecting this meeting since his last assistant requested a transfer to be closer to her husbands. He hated bedding in new staff, but that couldn't be helped during shift rotations. "Whatever you feel comfortable with," he replied. He would let all of his staff call him Xavier if protocol allowed it. "Please take a seat, how was your journey to the Athena?"

"Long," said Astra dropping into the offered seat. "I have spent over forty hours traveling in shuttles over the last two months, I will be pleased if I can settle into a place for a bit. But not all bad, I had time to review the ship's specs and be more or less up to speed." She smiled. "Where can I help? No point in waiting. There is always a need for Ops somewhere."

"I understand your pain, I once spent a whole month in a type 4 shuttle with two other men, you wouldn't believe the smell," he sympathised. The energy and vibes coming off the Andorian were almost intoxicating. "Easy Astrja, it's okay I call you that right? As you can see there's not much going on at the moment." He waved towards the window highlighting his point. In view was the mechanical docking arms of the starbase and just beyond that was the blue-green globe of Earth. "Most of the crew are currently enjoying some leave. Trust me there will be plenty of work to do soon, but why don't you get familiar with the ship and get to know her crew before then."

She shrugged and grinned. "You're the boss, chief. It will be fun to explore a new ship. But let me know if you need me for anything, I firmly believe that Ops is here to help."

"Believing in one's department is a good start," he said with a chuckle. "You're clearly very excited to be here, what was your last assignment like?"

Astrja cocks her head, her antennae curling, "Frustrating, honestly. I was assigned to the Gwydion and had just enough time to meet everyone but the Captain and get everything set up for the department only to have the ship reassigned to the reserve and get transferred here. Nothing against being here . . . but I had just finished setting up only to be yanked away."

"Well hopefully you'll be here long enough to find your antennae," Xavier said, using the Andorian idiom for finding one's place of belonging. "You don't seem to have let the transfer dampen your spirits," he added, referring to her jovial attitude. "It's nice to have someone so enthusiastic around."

"The work is interesting, meeting new people is fun, what is there not to enjoy?" she smiled.

"It's not all fun and games," Xavier replied as he rubbed the back of his head, where he was injured during the previous mission. "But there are definitely a few people on this ship that could do with a more positive attitude. Let's hope you rub off on them."

Astrja smiled. "I am not afraid of difficulty or danger, chief. I have yet to be really tested but I know it comes with the job." "And positive attitude, I have that like Mount T'riv has snow. I guess if there is nothing else for now, I'll see about settling in."

"I almost died on Mount T'riv," Xavier said absentmindedly, clearly lost in a past memory. "My ex-boyfriend was Andorian and he thought it would be a good idea to take a novice climber-" he pointed to himself - "up the mountain in less than ideal conditions. Let's just say I'm very grateful for quick reactions and strong arms," he chuckled.

Speaking to other Andorians always brought up memories of Ari, some good and some not so good. He wondered how appropriate that was now and if his constant reminiscing meant anything. He was sure that Savin might think it did, and deep down maybe he thought so too. But now wasn't the time or place. "Sorry Lieutenant," he said snapping back to the present. "Just got myself lost in a fond memory. You are free to leave, but if you need anything then I am your guy. When I return from Earth I'll have some real duties for you."

"No problems. Have fun on old Terra, chief," Astrja replied with a smile. "Bring me back something sweet if you pass a bakery." She threw off a casual salute and zipped out of the door before the chief could change his mind.

Xavier watched the woman leave and smiled. His head was swimming with the pure joy she felt about having a new assignment and being on a new ship. He wondered if he had been that enthusiastic about any of his postings in his career. It made him sad to think that he hadn't but he had grown to love each ship and crew like family and the Athena was no different. Shaking his head slightly he finished the report he had been working on, knowing as soon as it was done he would be free to see an old friend.