Captain Roshanara Rahman: Godspeed, Mr. Parker
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r.rahman
Sep 25, 2021, 11:33:03 PM9/25/21
to USS Veritas – StarBase 118 Star Trek PBEM RPG
((Captain's Ready Room, USS Veritas))
Rahman: So, Mr. Parker... we'll soon be arriving at Esperance. And from there, everyone will head off on their separate ways... do you know what's ahead for you next?
The seasoned operations officer thought for a moment as he took another gulp from his glass of whiskey.
Parker: I’ve got several options…the Laudeans would like me to return at the military attache’ to Starfleet and Starfleet seems to be amenable to that…seems interest in my Miranda reboot is picking up, so there is that…or I might take a few months of my accumulated leave to enjoy my son. I haven’t seen Ryland in over a year, and maybe it’s time for him to spend some time with his father for awhile. Of course, there is always the Marines…
Roshanara leaned back in her a chair a bit, nodding. She could sympathize with the long time between family visits. She hoped no matter where Parker did go next that he'd have time to see his son for a good bit. When her father fell ill and she returned to Earth, she developed a new appreciation for just how much time a life in Starfleet could cost from an officer's loved ones.
Rahman: I see... and have you a particular inclination?
Parker: Going to Duronis has some appeal, but what I did there was what any Marine or Starfleet officer would have done. I don’t consider myself a hero, Captain. Just a damn pretty good grunt who had the cards fall his way. Working on the Miranda allows me to stay on Earth with Kamela and Ryland. Kamela is going back to her analysts’ billet in San Francisco with SFI, and since I could also be there, we could literally go to work together and come home that night to our son. Same with the Marines. I think Kamela and I will take a few months’ leave, then I’ll make a decision about where I go next. What about you, Captain?
Rahman: Hmmmph, I must say that Earth assignment sounds pretty good. Wife and son under one roof instead of com calls...
She smirked.
Rahman: Not to tip the scales of course.
She then thought of his question. She hadn't really made much news of it with the rest of the crew. She didn't want them focused on her plans so much as their own. That said, she *had* gotten her own letter...
Rahman: Command hasn't made anything official, but they've "informed" me that the USS Kitty Hawk is in need of a new CO after Captain Chawla's promotion. Admiral Washington has invited me to Cait Spacedock to discuss it in more detail. As a former chief engineer of another Galaxy-class ship, I can't deny that the prospect is... tempting.
She folded her hands together as she sat up a little.
Parker: I think it suits you perfectly. :: Taking a swig:: Captain, I gotta tell you something…
Rahman: Yes, Commander?
Parker: I’ve been in the fleet for a long time, in one capacity or another, usually because my combat skills were needed. Here, I’ve done things other than combat, and it was relaxing to just be able to focus on just learning how a starship really works. I thank you for that opportunity, Captain, and I will never forget this ship, this crew, and you.
Rahman: I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Parker. In truth, when you first came aboard this ship, I didn't know what to expect myself. Veterans in the fleet... well, as one of them myself, I can say we can be a stubborn bunch, set in our ways.
Was that even a bit of sentimentality she was feeling as she thought of that first serious conversation they'd had in this very room over a year ago?
Rahman: So, Mr. Parker... we'll soon be arriving at Esperance. And from there, everyone will head off on their separate ways... do you know what's ahead for you next?
The seasoned operations officer thought for a moment as he took another gulp from his glass of whiskey.
Parker: I’ve got several options…the Laudeans would like me to return at the military attache’ to Starfleet and Starfleet seems to be amenable to that…seems interest in my Miranda reboot is picking up, so there is that…or I might take a few months of my accumulated leave to enjoy my son. I haven’t seen Ryland in over a year, and maybe it’s time for him to spend some time with his father for awhile. Of course, there is always the Marines…
Roshanara leaned back in her a chair a bit, nodding. She could sympathize with the long time between family visits. She hoped no matter where Parker did go next that he'd have time to see his son for a good bit. When her father fell ill and she returned to Earth, she developed a new appreciation for just how much time a life in Starfleet could cost from an officer's loved ones.
Rahman: I see... and have you a particular inclination?
Parker: Going to Duronis has some appeal, but what I did there was what any Marine or Starfleet officer would have done. I don’t consider myself a hero, Captain. Just a damn pretty good grunt who had the cards fall his way. Working on the Miranda allows me to stay on Earth with Kamela and Ryland. Kamela is going back to her analysts’ billet in San Francisco with SFI, and since I could also be there, we could literally go to work together and come home that night to our son. Same with the Marines. I think Kamela and I will take a few months’ leave, then I’ll make a decision about where I go next. What about you, Captain?
Rahman: Hmmmph, I must say that Earth assignment sounds pretty good. Wife and son under one roof instead of com calls...
She smirked.
Rahman: Not to tip the scales of course.
She then thought of his question. She hadn't really made much news of it with the rest of the crew. She didn't want them focused on her plans so much as their own. That said, she *had* gotten her own letter...
Rahman: Command hasn't made anything official, but they've "informed" me that the USS Kitty Hawk is in need of a new CO after Captain Chawla's promotion. Admiral Washington has invited me to Cait Spacedock to discuss it in more detail. As a former chief engineer of another Galaxy-class ship, I can't deny that the prospect is... tempting.
She folded her hands together as she sat up a little.
Parker: I think it suits you perfectly. :: Taking a swig:: Captain, I gotta tell you something…
Rahman: Yes, Commander?
Parker: I’ve been in the fleet for a long time, in one capacity or another, usually because my combat skills were needed. Here, I’ve done things other than combat, and it was relaxing to just be able to focus on just learning how a starship really works. I thank you for that opportunity, Captain, and I will never forget this ship, this crew, and you.
Rahman: I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Parker. In truth, when you first came aboard this ship, I didn't know what to expect myself. Veterans in the fleet... well, as one of them myself, I can say we can be a stubborn bunch, set in our ways.
Was that even a bit of sentimentality she was feeling as she thought of that first serious conversation they'd had in this very room over a year ago?
Rahman: But you've shown that reinvention and adaptation is at the core of a good Starfleet officer. I thank you for your trust in me as I guided you on that journey.
She held up her glass as he did as well before finishing off their drinks. Parker than reached over the desk with an extended hand.
Parker: It’s been an honor serving with you Captain…
She took his hand into hers and gave it a firm handshake.
Parker: If you ever need me Captain, do not hesitate to get in touch. I’ll come a’ running…
Rahman: I'll keep that in mind.
Parker: Thank you Captain.. I’m gonna keep working on the Miranda. It’s solid and with your suggestions, she’ll be a good ship. A good ship indeed…
Rahman: Yes. But always remember: a ship is only as good as the crew that serves aboard her, unified through mutual respect and diligence to duty. I know you've been able to see and hone that here. Carry that with you to your next assignment and those that you will serve with, under, and especially those you serve above as their leader. Godspeed, Mr. Parker.
END SCENE
Captain Roshanara Rahman
Commanding Officer, USS Veritas
I238705TZ0
She held up her glass as he did as well before finishing off their drinks. Parker than reached over the desk with an extended hand.
Parker: It’s been an honor serving with you Captain…
She took his hand into hers and gave it a firm handshake.
Parker: If you ever need me Captain, do not hesitate to get in touch. I’ll come a’ running…
Rahman: I'll keep that in mind.
Parker: Thank you Captain.. I’m gonna keep working on the Miranda. It’s solid and with your suggestions, she’ll be a good ship. A good ship indeed…
Rahman: Yes. But always remember: a ship is only as good as the crew that serves aboard her, unified through mutual respect and diligence to duty. I know you've been able to see and hone that here. Carry that with you to your next assignment and those that you will serve with, under, and especially those you serve above as their leader. Godspeed, Mr. Parker.
END SCENE
Captain Roshanara Rahman
Commanding Officer, USS Veritas
I238705TZ0
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