God of War

Posted on Mon Mar 11th, 2019 @ 6:58pm by Lieutenant Commander Seleya & Fleet Admiral Donatella Figueroa & Commander K'Niras Sh'howul

Mission: S01E04 The Outpost Has Eyes
Location: Shuttle bay, USS Musashi

Captain Figueroa was on the Bridge of her starship, standing near the lift with her First Officer, Lieutenant Sh'owul when the shuttlecraft had been detected by sensors. It was coming and coming fast. One of the newer shuttle types thought Fig. She was not expecting anyone or anything to be arriving which triggered her immediate reaction of, "Yellow alert!" she shouted out. One of the young relief navigators followed her order without question.

Klingons were not as crafty as Romulans, not nearly as clever, but some Klingons like Ke'gek had the tendency to rely on a variety of parlor tricks for his own amusement. The Captain was immediately suspicious. "Sensor sweep... make sure it's one of ours and find me that shuttle's registry," ordered Fig. However, no sooner did she give the order did her young cultural exchange officer, Cornet Jakku of Trill chime in. "Captain, the shuttle is hailing us."

"Put it through," ordered Fig. "On screen," she added wanting visual.

Seleya sighed as she closed the new book she'd been reading on the use of Vetrazine for Risian Flu. It was as interesting development but nobody had bothered to mention that, at least for humans, the allergy rate to the medication was startling at sixty-seven percent. She walked over to the front of the small shuttle and slipped into the co-pilot's seat and gazed up at the ship that was filling the windows of the shuttle. Ares class if she was right. She hadn't been told much by Admiral Essex she'd just been forced to take a promotion in rank that she'd refused three times before and that she'd love her new ship. She fought the urge to roll her eyes. She'd loved her other ships they... just hadn't loved her. She, again, resisted an urge this time to rub the space above her heart that always ached when she remembered that she hadn't fit in anywhere yet.

Her pilot, a young ensign, signaled the ship. =/\=Ensign Hollings to USS Musashi. Permission to come aboard. I'm carrying your new CMO.=/\=

Seleya noted the urgency to get rid of her in his voice and she could feel that he'd been uncomfortable the whole ride. She hadn't spoken much. He'd been the chatty one but she'd discouraged it. She found no logic in small talk.

Fig, with her First Officer in tow, stepped down the steps into the command pit near the Captain's chair. Unless the visual transmission was a deception, it was a indeed a Federation shuttlecraft with two Starfleet officers aboard her. Fig gave the signal for the alert level to decrease from yellow to green... shields would be lowered. "My apologies for the unfriendly raising of our hairs," she said, calmer, but still very taken aback. "I was not expecting a new Chief Medical Officer. On whose authority was this approved?"

=/\=Admiral Essex. Personal request I am transmitting orders now.=/\=

While the ensign secured their boarding she checked again that all her belongings were there. She didn't have much, three larger Starfleet crates and a bag. The fact that the ship didn't know she was coming was not a good sign. She almost wished they'd refuse her but Essex would find another way. She sighed and sat back down.

Fig sighed. "You're cutting this awfully close... we have a Chief Medical Officer, but he's not delighted to be serving aboard, and quite frankly I'll take someone more experienced. It's not going to be pretty, but I cannot turn away Admiral Essex's candidate for the position," replied Fig.

She gestured to K'Niras to head down to the shuttle bay and for Jakku to hop on the intercom and tell the bay personnel to clear the way immediately.

K'Niras was looking at Fig while she talked to the new CMO. If he had eyebrows, they would be raised in amusement. He bit his tongue though, from making a smart aleck comment about having kidnapped their current CMO when one was on the way. He nodded. "Yes, Sir... on my way." He turned from her side and headed for the turbolift.

"You will be cleared for our shuttle bay momentarily to drop off your precious cargo," she said referring to the medical officer. "And please feel free to stop in our longue and grab a drink, but we are due to depart within the hour," she said to the pilot of the shuttle.

=/\=Much appreciated ma'am, but this will have to be a drop and run.=/\= Again the eagerness to rid himself of her came into his voice.

Seleya sighed. Here she was, starting again, this was her life. Stops and starts were old friends. She waited until the preparations were made and the shuttle started moving towards the opened bay. It beat the transporter that was sure. She had never liked those." Seleya picked up her bag and held it close and while she held her orders in the other hand. A copy was transmitted but the official version she had. She wondered what the ship would be like. Essex had said he thought this would be a good ship for her. She wondered why.

K'Niras made his way to the shuttle bay. It didn't take him long, but by the time he did arrive the shuttle was parked and just starting its unloading sequence. The short Caitian stood to one side and waited for the shuttle doors to open. He was glad that they weren't just going to have a first year medical student for a doctor and even though their nurse was a very smart and talented woman, he knew that she shouldn't be responsible to run everything by herself. He was also anxious to get a look at the new doctor. He was used to seeing personnel files before someone joined the crew, but not so in this case. Essentially, right at this moment, the doctor was a blank slate.

As the shuttle podium finished its rotation Seleya took her place by the door. She heard the tell tale hiss that was the precursor to the door opening. She watched the grey tritanium doors split open one going high to the ceiling and one taking its place as the ramp. Not able to sit still her body kicked into motion. She would allow the ensign to offload her crates, in total five, three of which were personal and two extra large with some medical supplies she'd brought as a just in case.

Seleya walked onto the deck her eyes sweeping the ship and setterling on the Caitian in red. She's studied the crew manifest on the way in and knew that this was the First Officer K'Niras. She walked towards him, her IDIC necklace, not exactly regulation, swinging from her neck and her flame red hair up I in a rare bun revealing her Vulcan ears. She stopped by the commander and raised her arm in a typical Vulcan greeting. "Long life and prosperity, Commander K'Niras." She wondered if her file had come across ahead of time.

Captain Donatella Figueroa was close behind, she was not about to pass up the opportunity to personally welcome this medical officer aboard her starship. "Well, rumor has it the Commander may have nine lives, Doctor. At least if you want to believe in the old Earth saying about house cats," she teased. Fig studied the woman and muttered, "damn," and shook her head. "Number one, didn't I tell them anything, but a Vulcan?"

K'Niras snorted and continued to smile. He bowed to Seleya. "Prosperity and long life to you as well," he said, with a sidelong look at his captain. "Well, at least you didn't kidnap this one," he said with a little smirk. "We're very glad to have you onboard, Doctor, despite the captain's disparaging attitude. I would think that any doctor would be a welcome sight." This sort of banter was obviously comfortable conversation between the two. He turned his gaze back to their new crew. "Pardon us. Welcome to the USS Musashi."

"Quite right," added the Captain, lightening the mood. "I have nothing personally against Vulcans. I can assure you of that as I've had plenty serve under my command and I've served alongside some as well. Nevertheless, it is good to have you aboard, Doctor. As I said on the Bridge, I did manage to secure us a Chief Medical Officer not too long ago, but he is here under duress and not a particular fan of me for reasons which I'm sure he will be more than delighted to share with you."

"I see," she said studying the two. She'd always wondered what it would be like to have friends to banter with. Just as she was about to respond an operations officer interrupted asking her about the creates. She turned to him. "The extra large pink and purple are to be taken to sickbay. Please stack them in the main bay area against a wall. Pink on the bottom, purple on the to. The other three to my quarters. Green on the bottom, yellow on top of that and red on top of that. If you can kindly have the sickbay ones delivered first and the others are find within a three hour window. Please inform the doctor in charge to assemble the medical staff for a meeting." She turned back to the captain. "Apologies for that. It is an honour to meet you both. I am Lieutenant..." She paused as if she still hadn't adjusted to her rank, "Commander Seleya." She looked at the Captain. "Captain Figueroa, I have heard much about you."

K'Niras listened to her directions with interest, his ears perked forward and his head tipped to one side. He had never heard anyone so organized or particular. He was certain it was for a reason and in some ways he was also already very impressed. He casually crossed his arms over his chest and turned his attention to the captain in anticipation of her response.

"All lies... mostly I can assure you," she replied jokingly. "What good could anyone possibly say about me? I did not get my command nor my promotions by being a well behaved woman," she said reassuringly. "I command a Federation starship. It might just be a small Ares class vessel, but the Ares class proved to be the difference maker early on in the Four Years War. The Tellarites were not pleased of my being made Captain."

Seleya tilted her head to the side. "I believe humans have a saying. Well behaved women seldom make history. I have never known Admiral Essex to lie nor inflate situations. Thus logic would dictate that you are being modest about your accomplishments thus also proving the Admiral's theory that you have a..." She tried to remember his words. "Regal leadership style." She looked at the commander and noted his studying them. "Nevertheless, I am honoured to be here. I understand I was unexpected, but would like to get to work as soon as possible. I have brought on more supplies that require proper storage and medications that we might need."

Fig nodded. "Yes, I have heard of that saying before. I would not be surprised if one of my ancestors was the reasoning behind it," teased the Captain. "In fact, remind me, Number One... I want that on whatever monument of me they erect in my memory when I die," she said, making light of a rather dark topic, but that was just how her sense of humor worked.

K'Niras chuckled. "Alright, I'll make sure they know. The monument erectors... that is."

"Doctor, I would like you to be ready as soon as possible as well. We are just about to get a start on our next mission which is a dire one. A Federation colony in the Beta Quadrant has gone missing without a trace. We had one last transmission from then less than a day ago," explained Fig. "We're going to be leaving shortly at high warp, not knowing what to expect when we get there. I suggest meeting Doctor Calix and Doctor Linwood, getting Sickbay ready and then stop by the Briefing Room in two hours. I'll go over the finer details of this situation with you."

She gave a nod. Just before she could say something, a shout drew her attention. A young crewmen in a red jumpsuit was on the ground clutching his hand. Seleya moved to action. She was at his side with lightning speed. She looked the hand over. "Minor burn." She reached for her belt pouch and pulled out a spray. Using it, she quickly pulled out a gauze to wrap the hand in. Pulling out a rounded device she let it hover over the hand. After a brief few minutes the man's face eased and the pain like expression changed. She stood. "Please stop by sickbay and I shall have an ointment ready for you. The skin is still tender. Wear gloves."

She turned back to the captain and xo. "I shall be in the briefing room in two hours. I do have a question. You mentioned that you had a chief medical officer. Does he know I am here?" She spoke as if nothing has just happened proving that medical treatment was in her bones and blood.

Fig liked how quick on her feet this Vulcan was. "No," she said answering the woman's question. "He does not. Not in the slightest, but I do feel as though he will be overjoyed that you are here to relieve him of the burden I bestowed upon him."

Seleya inclined her head. "Then I shall speak with him." She thought a moment. "I shall review all medical files and notes from him and I will have a report for you within forty-eight hours on the status of crew physicals and any flags that require addressing. I will also need three operations crewmen this evening. I have a specific way I like my sickbay and I will reorganize it by morning." Then she thought back to Essex and what he'd said. "Pending your approval of course." She was charging in like a bull again, but she was rather particular about what her sickbay looked like.

Captain Figueroa nodded. "Doctor, this is my starship. I'm responsible for the ship and its crew. However, when it comes to Sickbay that is entirely yours to control, arrange, and run how you see fit. Whatever you need to do down there, you have my approval and full support," said Fig sharply.

She gave a nod. "I am most grateful." That went better than she thought. "I have almost forgotten. My orders." She handed the PADD to the CO. It contained a record of her accomplishments and her orders. That she knew, what she didn't know was that it contained a note for the Captain to call Admiral Essex.

Fig looked the orders over as well as the addendum. "Looks like I owe Admiral Essex a little chat," she muttered. "Doctor, I'll be seeing you shortly in the Briefing Room."

"Captain, before you leave I do have a question. I have a pet that I would like to bring aboard." Each captain had their own rules around pets.

The Captain looked at her First Officer and then back at the Doctor. "I have no objections," she said simply.

Seleya watched the Captain go and turned to the commander. "Commander, may I have your leave? Also... where is sickbay." She'd never been on an Ares class before.

K'Niras looked around, wondering which commander the doctor was speaking to. He pointed to himself and chuckled. "Just a Lieutenant... K'Niras." He smiled a little. "I can show you to sickbay. It's on deck five. Can I carry anything for you?" He looked behind her into the shuttle.

"My bag is light enough." She turned to the shuttle. "Elijah come."

Out of the shuttle scurried a little gray squirrel. Seleya bent down and picked her up placing the little animal on her shoulder. "We are ready to go."

K'Niras eyed the squirrel. "Elijah, huh?" He smiled a little, just showing his front teeth. "She or he... is adorable." The Caitian motioned for her to follow him and he headed toward the door of the shuttle bay. "How did you and Elijah meet?" he asked. "That... is a squirrel... right?" He wasn't sure he was getting the name of the animal correctly. He wasn't really well versed in the animal life of other planets.

"Indeed. Two years ago the Apollo stopped off back on Earth. I was walking through a park and came across an injured squirrel of no more then two months. I tended to him and released him, four times he came back. I understood then that he did not want to leave, an thus he became my friend," she said.

"Well, he's adorable. Is he fairly easy to care for?" K'Niras led the way out of the shuttle bay and down the hall toward the turbolift. He stopped at the door and tapped the console, waiting for the doors to open. He turned and eyed the little gray creature, his tail swishing back and forth behind him and his ears perked forward in interest.

"Fairly easy to care for. He is very intelligent and is able to understand commands. He's still fairly young and undisciplined, but he loves to be around sickbay. He has a calming effect on patients," she said as the squirrel seemed to be studying K'Niras. He seemed to shy away from the large catlike being by hiding in Seleya's hair. "Fascinating. He is afraid of you," she said.

"Well... I can't say that I blame him." K'Niras stepped onto the turbolift when the doors opened. "Deck five..." When the doctor joined him the doors closed and the turbolift took off to its destination. "There is a small feline, on Earth as well, that I believe might attempt to make a meal out of your friend. I, myself, have sworn off people's pets," he joked. "You can assure him that I eat from the replicator like everyone else." He smiled warmly. The turbolift stopped and the doors opened again. "And here we are... the sickbay doors are just down this way a little bit. Did they tell you that you would have a resident student?"

She stopped and turned. "A resident student?"

K'Niras nodded. "Yes, Lieutenant Junior Grade Kylian Linwood. They assigned him to serve his residency program as a medical student here on the Musashi. He's smart. Apparently, he speaks a ton of languages."

"I see, then he will be treated as any other doctor, resident or not." She looked around. "I will take my leave if that is alright with you."

The Caitian nodded and smiled again. "Of course, if you need any help, don't hesitate to ask." He bowed politely to her. "Welcome aboard, Doctor."