LtCmdr Connor Dewitt - Let's go for a walk
Tim
((First Officer’s Office, Deck 1, USS Khitomer, DS33 Drydock))
Dewitt: You know what? I have a department head meeting in a few minutes, but I am free tomorrow at 1100. Why don’t we show Ms. Shyla the full range of what the Warp Stone Creamery has to offer? It would be a welcome change of pace for me.
Kmett: Perfect, Commander. ::He nodded, looking thoroughly satisfied.:: Is there anything else you think I should know? ::After a brief pause, he added with quiet enthusiasm.:: What are my next duties, if any? I'm ready to get started whenever you are.
DeVeau: Wait! Let me guess…you're hereby ordered to report to sickbay for a physical and mental evaluation and then you are to take some time to relax and get to know the ship and her crew until the next mission.
Connor smiled. She said it with the confidence of a first officer herself. The confidence he was still looking for most of the time. His thoughts drifted back to Naxell’s office and his advice. Connor took a second before attempting a reaction and watched the smirk build at the corner of Alora’s mouth.
DeVeau: Am I right?
Shyla: Wawawawawawawawawawawawa….
The Commander had more or less guessed Connor’s order word for word. It saved him a few words, but it also made him question whether he could learn not only from Shyla but also from her mother.
The little one was taking exception to being uninvolved in the conversation. Connor watched her slide off the cushion with efficiency, spilling just a little water from her cup. She turned around and put the water down, and the couch cushion tried its best to accept it with grace. For Connor, the moment came to a pause. He admired the lighthearted innocence of the little human. Something in him wanted to embrace Shyla and shield her from the universe.
It took him a second to surface from those thoughts.
Dewitt: ::thin smile towards Kmett:: You heard the Commander, Ensign. It’s good advice. But don’t forget to make time for recreation during shore leave.
Kmett: Excellent. Thank you, Commander. Everything is much clearer now. ::He smiled warmly.:: I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome and for taking the time to explain everything. It's been a real pleasure meeting you, and I'm sure it will be an even greater pleasure serving with you in the future. ::He glanced toward Alora with a grateful smile.:: You know, my journey here with Commander DeVeau was wonderful. After spending that time with her, I feel even more optimistic about my assignment aboard the Khitomer. ::He looked back at Commander DeWitt.:: I only hope I'll prove worthy of the trust you've placed in me.
DeVeau: Oh trust me, it was a lot more fun having you as a companion.
In the meantime, Shyla had refueled her plush ship and cleared it for takeoff. Connor watched it clear the pad, make it as far as warp one, and make first contact with Commander DeVeau’s thigh. Connor smiled in amusement. He had seen worse landings. He had piloted worse landings.
Shyla: Bum. Bum. Bum. Bum.
Dewitt: ::back to Kmett:: Ensign, I would not worry about being worthy. The people worrying about being worthy are usually the ones already doing the job. ::more warmly:: We all have doubts. The Captain made me sit through mine for the better part of an hour. I will have more mercy on your soul.
Kmett: Response
DeVeau: All right, darlin’, it’s time to go.
Connor nodded and took the last sip of his tea. Shyla, however, let out a cry as if she had exactly understood what had just been said. She gathered up her ship and the plush passenger at light speed and made a run for it. The office was not big enough for an escape, and the Commander scooped the child up under one arm with practiced efficiency.
DeVeau: Someone needs her nap. I’m sure our bags have already made it there.
Dewitt: They will have, Commander. Deck thirteen, port side, fourth door past the crew mess. One of our quieter VIP quarters while the ship is in drydock. ::beat:: Ms Shyla, sleep well.
Kmett: Response
The Commander turned, gave him and the Ensign a small salute, and moved through the door.
DeVeau: I look forward to seeing you both later!
Shyla answered with a screech, which was probably one of the most emotionally honest things said while leaving the first officer’s office under protest.
Dewitt: ::to Kmett:: Ensign. That was an extraordinary visit, even by the standards of this office in the Alpha Isles.
Kmett: Response
He set the cup down on the sideboard next to the small carafe of water.
Dewitt: I have a meeting with engineering and operations department heads in about ten minutes. If you would like a walk to Sickbay on my way, I will drop you at Doctor Ohnari’s door.
Kmett: Response
Connor smiled and nodded. He pointed towards the door. Half his brain was preoccupied with the chaos still in his office, which he would have to clean up on his return.
End for Connor
Executive Officer
USS Khitomer
A239901CD3