Lt. Shayne: Biting the Bullet
Quinn Friedl
((Deck 1, Bridge, USS Darwin-A))
::It was remarkable how much flying a starship resembled piloting an airplane from Earth's past. Certainly the technologies were totally different- not many planes in Shayne's studies had possessed warp capability. And the open-cockpit design, once so popular in flying machines of the early industrial era, would cause more than one concern if applied to a space-faring vessel. But, from a control standpoint, they shared similarities. The difficult parts happened before setting off, and when arriving. The time in between was usually devoid of anything demanding the utmost concentration of the pilot. Of course, he or she should maintain constant vigilance- trouble has a habit of appearing when least expected or warranted- but given a sufficiently disciplined and acute mind, a pilot could keep full control of his starship- or ancient flying machine- while thinking on other topics.::
::This was indeed fortunate, because, as Shayne stared at the viewscreen, and the elongated spectrum of stars before him, he realized that there were so many other topics to think about.::
::Renos' words clicked and clacked about his head like a pair of endlessly ricocheting die. He'd known that there would be changes the moment he'd entered the meeting room. He didn't know just how drastic those changes would be. Suddenly, all the mad rumors that had flown around the ship like slung monkey dung didn't seem nearly as preposterous. In the span of but a sentence, Renos had inadvertently managed to introduce a world of doubt to the helmsman's world.::
Shayne: oO "The Darwin is being reassigned, and so is its crew." At least ne didn't beat around the bush. Oo
::With that pronouncement, Shayne had to prepare himself to change realities, to accept a complete shift in what he had considered normal. He wanted to hear more detail, wanted to know who was going where, but at the same time, he was terrified about the answer. How can one be ready to say goodbye to people one has known for more than a year at the snap of a finger?::
::The fleet captain's next clarification had rested a few of his fears. They'd be taking off for the Par'tha Expanse. The moment he heard the name, he knew it had some special meaning, but for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. He'd never been there, and as far as he knew, neither had any of his family. So why did it stick out so intently in his mind? It was nagging at him incessantly. To save his sanity, he put it aside and focused on other things. The way Renos had said it, it sounded like the Darwin would be under nes direct command in this...Andaris Task Force. Whatever that was.::
Shayne: ::Shrugging.:: oO Catchy name, though. Oo
::The biggest concern was ahead. A new ship, a new venue of operations, a new mission... all of that was well and good. But whom would be with who? Would he see Varaan, or Rennyn, or Kurt again? Gods above, would he ever see Pond again?! They shared quarters! They loved each other! Starfleet couldn't separate them now! Could they?::
::Looking back on it now, it was one of the few times that the situation had potential to cause a conflict between his duties and his family life. For this he was glad- he didn't like that conflict at all.::
::He shuddered as he refocused his eyes on the stars, feeling just as cold as the vaccuum for a fraction of a moment.::
::The bottom line was this; he, and about half the senior staff, including Isabel would be crewing a new ship, alongside another, newly commissioned medical carrier. Even now, hours after the news had reached him, his mind still struggled to wrap around the changes that were upcoming. The important thing was that Isabel would be coming with him, and that the majority of the staff would be staying in at least intermittent contact.::
::And now that they were plowing through the void toward their new destination, Shayne realized that there was unfinished business to complete. There was the actual transfer to consider- his and Pond's possessions would need to be moved over, and one or both would have to talk with the newly minted commander Rhyn regarding their quarters. Hopefully, staying together wouldn't be a problem, but Shayne didn't want to get on the wrong foot with his new CO. Then there was the task of closing up shop. The Darwin would be under the control of another crew- he'd need to coordinate with the new helmsman. On a far more personal note, he'd need to take care of his own goodbyes to the ship. Shayne tended to get close to any ship he served on. From the most wretched cargo haulers, to the most splendid explorers- Shayne loved them all. So much to do!::
::Lambert.::
::The name struck him from nowhere, and suddenly the stars took on a new urgency. Their rivalry had been going on for months now. Even though the science officer had apologized profusely to Shayne, the helmsman realized that, if they were going to serve together on a new ship, it wouldn't do to bring their old feuds with them. The had some time before they got to where they were going. Before they left, he wanted to leave their old baggage here, once and for all. Start fresh. He'd missed an opportunity to do that before- he'd be confounded if he didn't learn from his mistakes. After his shift, he'd track that man down. It need only be a two minute chat in the corridor, but it was a chat he needed to have.::
::And Didrik! The only counselor he'd ever truly, genuinely trusted to work with him on his psyche issues! He'd be going to the Blackwell. Crud. He'd like to speak with him once more, while they still served aboard the same ship. And Merrick! Oh, Merrick R'Ven! The person he'd been meaning to speak to the longest! He knew that they'd be in the same general area from time to time- perhaps even working on the same missions- but he had the terrible feeling that if he didn't speak to these people soon, he'd loose the chance to. So much to do!::
((Timeskip, a few hours.))
::Most days, when the relief helmsman came on duty, Shayne relinquished control grudgingly. Now, though, he practically flew from the chair. As he stalked into the turbolift, he slapped his commbadge roughly, not allowing fear or doubt to dissuade him from his course.::
Shayne: =/\= Shayne to Commander R'Ven.
R'Ven: response.
Shayne: =/\= I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but there's a matter I'd like to discuss with you in private- if you have the time.
R'Ven: response.
Tag/TBC...
Lieutenant Randal Shayne
Helmsman
USS Darwin
NCC 99312-A
G239202RS0