Commander Whittaker: The Joy of Command (Blackwell)

[Michael Meir-Wright]

(( USS Blackwell - Deck 1 - Captain's Ready Room ))

(( Time Index: 1 week after 'Throne Of Fire' ))

Whittaker: ::he smiled.:: You have both impressed me since I took command and I think that this change will play to both of your strengths. ::beat- he looked at Mandak again.:: For the time being Ensign you will continue report to Commander Shayne, although if you keep up the stellar work you will find yourself looking at a promotion. ::then he looked back at Shayne.:: Commander, I have absolutely no doubt that you will thrive as Operations Manager. Mastering starship operations is an important step in progression towards command- something that I am positive that will happen for you.

::Theo knew that Shayne had turned down the opportunity to serve as the Blackwell's Executive Officer in the days before he had been appointed as CO. He had not wanted to pry into the reasons why believing that the new Operations Manager would reveal them if he wanted to. Still, Sal Taybrim believed that Theo had a 'knack' for spotting command potential in officers and he was sure that he was not wrong recognising that in Shayne.::

Shayne: Thank you sir.

Mandak: I think now that we might have some time to actually report to one another that'd be wonderful. And I promise that I won't burn through too many tires sir...

::Theo watched as Shayne offered his hand to Mandak, it was a lovely gesture.::

Shayne: Congratulations, Ensign. Well deserved.

Mandak: ?

Shayne: Sir, I assume this change will take place immediately?

Whittaker: oOIs everybody aboard the Blackwell so eager?Oo ::he thought to himself, remembering his conversation with Commander Rior several days previous.:: Indeed, indeed.

Mandak: ?

Shayne: ?

::Satisfied that the brief meeting had come to an end, Theo stood up and absent minded pulled on his hem of his uniform jacket. He smiled.::

Whittaker: Congratulations once again, to you both. ::beat:: Dismissed.

Mandak: ?

Shayne: ?

::Theo watched them both leave. Once the door closed shut behind them, he reached into one of the draws on his desk with a smile. This is what he had been looking forward to the most all morning.::

(( Bridge ))

::Theo exited his ready room and a brisk pace, holding a small sandalwood box behind his back. A mischievous smile flittered across his face, relishing what he was about to do. It was his custom to take the centre seat around this time, but on this morning, he was about to do something a little different. Exchanging a mirthful glance with Commander Adyr, he turned his attention to the rear of the bridge.::

Whittaker: ::despite wanting to laugh, he managed to imbue his voice with a tone of displeasure as his eyes zoned in on the man he was looking for.:: Mister Thoran! What time do you call this?!

Thoran: ?

Whittaker: You're late Lieutenant! ::he could feel the corners of his mouth wavering, desperate to turn upwards into a grin. He fought with all his might to look as angry as he could.:: What do you have to say yourself?

Thoran: ?

Whittaker: I can't hear you, mister! Come down here! ::he glanced at Commander Adyr again, giving her a nod to approach him. They had discussed this the previous evening before they had both retired for the evening. Such events, in Theo's experiences, were a cause for celebration- but regulations said nothing about winding up the officers in question first.::

Thoran/Adyr: ?

Whittaker: You are late and you are dressed incorrectly! ::he shook his head.:: Under my command that simply is not going to wash me with me- ::the angry facade fell away as he finally allowed himself to unleash the grin that he had been suppressing. As he did, he took the small sandalwood box from behind his back and handed it to Adyr.:: - Lieutenant Commander.

::He waited for the realisation to hit the Chief of Security. Behind him, the bridge crew had gathered nearby to watch this occasion.::

Thoran: ?

Whittaker: ::to Adyr.:: Commander, could you open the box?

Adyr: ?

::Inside the box was a solitary black pip, its rim lined with gold. He picked it up and affixed it to Lieutenant Commander Thoran's mustard yellow collar as he spoke, pride welling up inside him.::

Whittaker: Lieutenant Jarred Thoran, I nearby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all of the privileges and responsibilities therein. I have been reviewing the crew evaluations since I came aboard and your performance over the last several months has been nothing short of exemplary. ::beat.:: Of course, I expect nothing short of that going forwards! :: with a chuckle he offered the man his hand.:: Congratulations, Jarred- you've earned this.

Thoran/Adyr/Anybody on the bridge: ?

--

Commander Theo Whittaker

Commanding Officer

USS Blackwell

NCC 58999

Andaris Task Force

C239203TW0