Hand Over
Juanita Barrett
Today was the day. Trish straightened her uniform top and absently fingered the three pips on her collar. She’d already dropped Emma and Christy off at School, and was now ready to face the day and get back to work.
Three weeks had passed since she had lost Chantel, and not a day went by that she didn’t feel incomplete, but she had a life to live, a daughter to look after, and a responsibility to the ship and it’s crew. So, after talking it over with Sam, she decided she was ready to return to duty.
Taking a deep breath, making sure everything was as perfect as she could get it. At least the bags under her eyes from lack of sleep had finally gone once her sleeping pattern had settled down finally. She had lost a bit of weight, but she had also slowly regained her appetite, so she had no worries about putting the few kilos she had lost back on.
Smoothing down her hair, it needed a trim again she mused to herself, she nodded at her reflection and then leaving the comfort of Sam’s quarters, she headed towards the bridge.
Crewman all smiled at her as she passed them, nodding their hello’s and such, all of them seeming pleased to see her back in uniform. She reached the turbolift and ordered it to take it to the level Bela’s office was on.
After a few moments, she arrived at the deck and walked along towards Bela’s office. Taking a deep breath, she rang the chime and called out softly.
“Commander Bela, it’s Commander Piper. May I come in please?”
“Enter,” Bela called. She rose from behind her desk. “Commander Piper, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
Patricia gave her a tiny smile.
“I’m here to take back my job is the short version. Long version is I’m back on duty as off today and I’d like to go over anything that I need to know regarding the ship and crew that may have happened while I’ve been... off.”
Bela gave her a long look.
“Well, if that’s all,” she said dryly. “Have a seat.” She picked up a PADD and handed another to Trish. “The first thing I need to know is whether you’re officially signed off as healthy to come back to work, and then I suggest we work on a graded return to work schedule. - If you open document alpha three, you should see that I have created a provisional plan to hand duties back to you in a controlled manner so we ease you back into work appropriately but don’t overwhelm you.”
Patricia began reading the document and gave a tiny nod.
“Counsellor Harkness has cleared me for return to work, and this looks very well done.” Patricia looked up. “Thank you.. For stepping up and helping out.”
“It is my job Commander,” Bela said simply. “The wellbeing of this crew is… important. That includes you.”
Patricia gave her a tiny smile.
"It's appreciated, believe me. But I need to get back into the swing of things, and this plan you have outlined is the perfect way to do it. So thank you again."
“You’re very welcome,” Bela said. “And if something is too much - please do let me know. I don’t want you to burn out. It is not a weakness having help.”
Patricia gave a soft laugh and a wry smile to Bela.
“Trust me, I learnt the hard way. I won’t hesitate to ask for help.”
“See that you do. You’re coming along as an officer, Commander, we don’t want to ruin you at this point,” Bela said.
“Thank you Bela. That means a lot to me.” Patricia gave her a tiny smile. “Any advice you can give me, at any time, please, feel free to. I’ve learnt the hard way over the last few years that I don’t have to be perfect all the time, I don’t have to have all the answers all the time. So, I do appreciate anything you can tell me.”
“Good. Letting go of the idea of perfection is good with your type of neurotic personality,” Bela said.
“That’s what Sam says.. And it’s finally taken. Now, before I go say Hi to the Captain and take my first bridge shift back, is there anything specifically I need to be made aware of urgently?” Patrica was starting to get back into the feel of things.
“No, everything is well. I would ask you to respect and commit to not looking at any of the investigations into your case,” Bela said. “Your word please.”
Patricia nodded.
“You have it. I.. I just don’t want to know. I just need to know that they will be caught and punished. That’s enough for me.” Patricia swallowed.
“There will be consequences. You will be given what information is appropriate at the appropriate time,” Bela said.
Patricia gave her a small smile.
“That’s all I need to know. Thank you again, for everything Bela.”
Bela nodded. “Then I wish you a pleasant first shift,” she said, looking back down at her PADD.
“And you. I will see you later Commander.” Patricia took the PADD with her and left.