Lt Cmdr. Avander Promontory: New Gossip
Avander Promontory
(( Hydroponics, Deck 10 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
Avander Promontory had just been invited to become the first officer of the Octavia E. Butler. Aine Sherlock was going to be the second officer whilst continuing to serve as security chief. Avander, however, would be replaced in intelligence. By a Commander from Starfleet Headquarters. Someone who had studied the Gamma Quadrant from afar.
Promontory: I see. Effective when?
Rouiancet: As soon as she arrives. We're to expect 'Oumuamua at DS14 within forty-eight hours.
Two days was not a lot of time to adjust to the new status quo and Avander was a little at a loss for words. Thankfully, Aine had more presence of mind.
Sherlock: That soon? I'll make sure we get an info pack together so she can get up to speed on the happenings here.
Rouiancet: Thank you, Aine. I'm sure she'll appreciate it as well.
Avander could have Locksley and Llewellyn pull together a presentation and orientation by then. Two days could be enough.
Promontory: We’ll ensure a smooth transition, sir.
He gave a curt nod.
Sherlock: Are there any pressing matters we need to look into before we arrive at DS14?
Rouiancet: (shaking her head) I don't think so. I should prepare more official briefs for both of you, though, and update your clearances and so forth. Iljor might have some tips, too, if you'd like to ask him.
Avander’s to-do list was getting longer and longer as this meeting continued.
Promontory: I assume Starfleet has training manuals for us.
Starfleet always had training manuals. Avander looked at Aine who gave him a shrug.
Sherlock: That should be easy enough.
The Commander nodded, but her expression was solemn.
Rouiancet: I hope so. (beat) Thank you, both and truly, for agreeing to do this. You know I'm new to this (gesturing around vaguely at the entire ship) myself, but knowing I have you at my back makes it easier.
Not exactly the strongest reassurance. “Don’t be scared that it’s your first time—it’s mine too!” Well at least they were confident.
Promontory: Absolutely. We’ll figure this out. (beat) And I think I’ll try to get a few minutes with Commander Etan before he leaves us. Is there anything else you want us to do in the short-term?
Avander was starting to get a sense that this would be one of those “non-relaxing” shore leaves.
Sherlock: Responses
Rouiancet: Well, that is a good question. (beat, then a laugh) There will certainly come a time in the near future where I punt all my questions to one of you two.
Sherlock: Response
Promontory: So, in the immediate present… any pressing matters we need to be aware of?
Intelligence work had given Avander a keen interest in gossip and a position in the command team might mean a lot more opportunities to learn juicy confidential information. Stuff he couldn’t repeat, but stuff that would give him a better picture of the crew, nonetheless.
Rouiancet/Sherlock: Responses
And then there was the other side of things—the things that you’d rather not know.
Promontory: OK. (beat) OK… We’ll be sure to be sensitive to that.
Rouiancet/Sherlock: Responses
At this point, Avander was afraid to ask any more. Perhaps not knowing would be preferable sometimes. He looked at one of the walls of plants, suddenly interested in the spade leaves with a ribbon of purple down the center.
Tags/TBC
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