Capt. Lia Rouiancet: Now Recruiting

[Tony Colella]

(( Chief Engineer's Office, Deck 11, USS Octavia E Butler ))

The crew were returning from shore leave in preparation for the OEB's return through the wormhole, their new mission, and -- before any of that -- the ceremony that would see promotions and ribbons bestowed by the previous mission's acting CO, Avander. 

Many of them had returned to their duties early, chief among them the engineers. She should've suspected, really, but she was still surprised by the number of gold-dressed officers and crew at work. She had no doubt that they would've chosen to be there anyway, but she also expected that this was something of an honor guard Josh wanted to provide -- and she was both flattered and honored. She didn't have any trouble summoning a smile when she reached his office.

Herrick: Captain!

He stood to welcome her with his own smile, and she couldn't help but note that his desk was covered in PADDs, components, and other engineering miscellanea.

Rouiancet: (slightly dry) I see you didn't lose any time in getting right back to work.

Then again, could she blame him? He, like all his engineers, were choosing to do what they enjoyed most, and for Josh it was following on several months of being away from that same work.

Herrick: Yes, thankfully it's like riding a bike. Since you're here (passing the PADD over) From what we discussed on DS9, whenever you have time.

Rouiancet: Thanks very much for putting it together. Give me a few minutes...

But while she'd prepared time enough to read his report then and there and share with him her thoughts, that wasn't how the next few minutes went. Instead, she heard a couple of voices she didn't recognize, and glanced around.

Herrick: Over here Lieutenant!

They were joined by Lieutenant Forsyth -- who Lia knew now by name and appearance, but not until that moment by voice -- and a Vulcanoid civilian. She raised a pair of curious brows at Josh, and at the newcomers.

Forsyth: Thank you, Sir.

Valk: Y-Yes, Thank you.

Rouiancet: Lieutenant.

She nodded first to Forsyth and then to her companion, even as she held off asking for introductions. Josh clearly had an idea of what was going on here, and she was more than willing to trust that recognition. As the pair sat down, Lia did as well, and set down the PADD with Josh's report to give the newcomers her undivided attention.

Herrick: It's a pleasure to meet you; I'm the cheng of this boat, Lieutenant Josh Herrick. How are you finding the Butler so far?

Forsyth: It's been great, sir.

Valk: The Butler has proven to be the most accommodating vessel, Sir.

Herrick: Response

Ah, then that made sense. Lia's curiosity had only increased, though, because even if Josh had decided to add a civilian engineer to his staff, then what was Forsyth doing there? She was primarily tactical, not security, and if an escort was required, surely Anton would have come or sent one of his people -- or even Wes, if he was duly concerned?

Valk: Indeed, I have been wanting to put my engineering skills to use.

Forsyth: I-I think this could also be a great way for him to learn about his father's career as well, He has been wondering what Starfleet is like.

Lia held up her palms.

Rouiancet: Hold on, please. Mister -- Valk? (a glance at Josh, then back to Valk) Why do you want to crew a Federation starship?

And, more than that, a Starfleet ship, as a civilian? She hoped that the question was broad enough to provoke a whole suite of answers.

Herrick: Response

Valk: I served as an engineering technician on the Vulcan freighter Yarahla under Captain T’Ven.

Herrick/Forsyth/Valk: Responses

Rouiancet: Yes, that's exactly what I mean.

She glanced from Valk to Forsyth, then finally raised one questioning eyebrow at Josh before looking back to Valk to explain.

Herrick/Forsyth/Valk: Responses

Rouiancet: Oh, I see. Well, I don't see any difficulties, though (beat; considering the pair) I am curious how you two came up with this plan. Why not crew a ship of your own?

This was, partially, meant for Lieutenant Forsyth, who was new to the Butler and whom Lia hadn't had much time to speak with yet. This would be a nice opportunity to get to know more about her.

Herrick/Forsyth/Valk: Responses

Tags! and TBC!

--

Captain Lia Rouiancet

Commanding Officer

USS Octavia E. Butler

V238208LV0

she/her/hers (this character)