Lt Cmdr. Avander Promontory: Job Offer
Avander Promontory
(( Hydroponics, Deck 10 Saucer, USS Octavia E. Butler ))
Avander was looking forward to the official start of leave. The refugee situation was almost completely resolved and the intelligence staff in the quadrant was running smoothly. The new facility, Deep Space 14, promised to be an impressive installation and he had heard good things about New Bajor as well.
But before he could fully relax and disengage, the CO had requested a meeting.
Avander liked Commander Rouiancet—they had worked together productively on a number of assignments over the last few years—but a meeting in the hydroponics bay was just mysterious enough to pique Avander’s interest. And Commander Sherlock would be joining them as well.
The CO, however, didn’t need to give a reason for requesting a meeting and Avander gave Aine a slight shrug to indicate he didn’t know what awaited them on the other side of the door.
As they entered, they found the Commander alone with the plants. It was a large facility—rows and rows of plants in discrete clear containers arranged both vertically and horizontally on movable shelves.
Rouiancet: Avander, Aine. Thank you for joining me.
Her casual demeanor suggested that this meeting wasn’t to be too formal.
Promontory: Of course, anytime you need us, boss.
Sherlock: Response
Rouiancet: I'm becoming acquainted with the ship, one room at a time. Have either of you been in here yet?
Promontory: I can’t say that I have. (looking around) This is an impressive bay.
Sherlock: Response
Rouiancet: (with a small shrug) No, not particularly.
The CO paused for a moment, as if considering something for a moment. When she began again, it was with an urgent directness.
Rouiancet: Iljor has been offered a command of his own: the repaired and relaunched 'Oumuamua. However, unless anyone specifically requests a transfer, the crew will remain on the Butler. Congratulations are due to him, and he deserves the promotion -- but that also means that the Butler needs a first officer. (to Avander) Avander, I had hoped that you would accept that role. (to Aine) And that you, Aine, would agree to become second officer, in addition to continuing as chief of security.
Avander’s mind reeled, keeping up with the new information. He started formatting a congratulations for Iljor when the rest of Rouiancet’s words pierced his mind. Avander was quite content as the Director of Intelligence and hadn’t sought further command.
But at the same time, his CO needed someone and if he could help—
Promontory: I’m honored, sir. (beat) And I assume this wasn’t a light decision…
Avander’s mind was working as fast as his mouth and he was revising his train of thought as he spoke. Of course, the Commander wasn’t one to make these sorts of decisions rashly. If she was here, offering them positions, she had likely already cleared it with Starfleet Command and of course there wasn’t someone else who would be a better option, otherwise they would have been asked. Unless they were asked and turned it down…
Avander stole a glance at Aine, who always seemed so outwardly self-assured.
Sherlock: Response
Rouiancent: Response
Promontory: Yes. Of course, yes!
Rouiancet/Sherlock: Responses
Promontory: What about the intelligence functions on the ship?
Rouiancet/Sherlock: Responses
Promontory: I see. Effective when?
Rouiancet/Sherlock: Responses
That didn’t give a lot of time for transitioning. Perhaps Avander wouldn’t have a very restful leave after all.
Tags and TBC!
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