The Task (Part One of Two)

Lieutenant Commander Barker walked towards the Captain who was stood alone, looking out of the window. What he was looking at or thinking was anyone's guess, but experience meant that Chu knew that it would have been about either Shaka or Toran. Chu, like the Captain had served with both officers on both vessels that carried the proud name 'Leviathan'. The Captain had made a moving and fitting memorial to Lieutenant Commander Shaka's life. Some of the crew had now returned to their duties, but those who were still off duty were holding a wake for their fallen comrade.

"You wanted to see me Captain." Chu enquired.

"Yes Commander. I have a task for you." Devore replied "It's not a very pleasant one I'm afraid, but it's something that must be done."

"Lieutenant Commander Shaka" Chu replied.

"I'm afraid so. I know that she was your friend, but someone's got to go through her personal files, see what she's been working on over the past few weeks. Plus there's the packing of all her personal possessions. Usually, it's the job of the first officer, but we need someone who at least knows what they are looking at." Devore explained.

"And the Slipstream drive, Shaka had just got it back on-line before we were attacked again, who's going to take her place there. No one knew that QSD drive like she did." Lieutenant Commander Barker asked.

"I've already promoted Tyra to Lieutenant Commander and assigned her to the QSD repairs." Devore explained.

"Tyra !" Chu exclaimed. "That's an unusual choice Captain, especially given her 'medical' condition."

"She appears to be a fine Engineer and has shown at times a 'knack' of finding unorthodox solutions to problems. As for her 'medical' condition, Doctor Katts assures me that provided Tyra has her daily 'quota' of the hormone supplement she will be fine. I've also made it a condition of her promotion that if she misses a single day, does not report for a weekly medical check-up or there is another 'incident', she'll be booted down from her new rank of Lieutenant Commander to Crewman." Devore explained "On the whole, I think she will work out fine."

"She's taking on a great deal of responsibility, the QSD drive is our best hope of returning home." Chu remarked.

"I know, that's why I want you to work alongside her for a while, make sure she's coping with her new status. After Shaka and Tyra you're probably the only other person who understands the mechanics of slipstream propulsion." Devore requested.

"I understand the theoretical side of the Slipstream theory, but when it comes to the 'nuts & bolts' of the QSD I'm lost. I've always left Shaka to get her hands dirty." Chu replied, with a sigh.

"We're all going to miss her on the Bridge, but we must look to the future not the past." Devore remarked.

"That's why I've asked you to assist Tyra, she might struggle at first with the theory side of the job."

"You might be right, maybe I'll get her to assist with looking through Shaka's files." Chu commented.

"Good idea. Now for the second reason I wanted to talk to you."

"Yes Captain" Chu replied.

"With Mister Soliel's 'resignation' that leaves the position of first officer open, I was wondering if you would like the position. You are one of my longest servicing officers and someone who I respect highly." Devore remarked.

"I'm honoured that you would consider me for the position, but I'm going to have to decline the offer Captain. I'm a scientist, my skills are in analysing and understanding the Universe not in giving orders and commanding a Starship. If we were still in the Alpha quadrant, I doubt you would have offered this opportunity to me. But we're far from home and the best place for me is at the Science station." Chu replied.

"I understand your reasons for declining and I accept your arguments. However, I've also read the status reports from when you have taken command of the Leviathan. Maybe you aren't cut-out to command a vessel like the Leviathan, but I could see you commanding something smaller like a Science vessel." Devore said "Have you ever thought about something along those lines ?"

"To be honest Captain, I have enjoyed the times I've spent in command, but I've never seen it as a career. I joined the Leviathan to explore, not to fight. But now we are in another galaxy and the opportunities to explore are now here." Chu replied.

"There maybe more opportunities for you to take command in the future and I would suggest that you take them. Even if you never make use of the experience that you gain, it will still look good on your Starfleet record. As for now, you're probably right we do need our Chief Science officer full-time, we don't know what we're going to encounter." Devore suggested.

Just then Sierra arrived.

"Commander, Marc what are you two boys plotting ?" She asked.

"Nothing, just having a friendly chat." Devore replied.

"I'd better get out of this dress uniform and back to work. Captain, Counsellor Devore." Chu acknowledged, leaving Sierra and the Captain alone.

Chu walked over to the two newly promoted Lieutenant Commanders.

"Commander Tyra, Commander Taline, congratulations on your promotions." He offered.

"Thank you sir." Replied Taline, I'm looking forward to my new position in Engineering."

"As am I." Tyra said. "I don't know exactly why the Captain chose me to replace Commander Shaka, but I'm going to do my best to honour her memory."

"I was just discussing that with the Captain and I'd like you to assist me in a small task." Chu commented. "If you like Commander." Tyra replied.

"Meet me outside Lieutenant Commander Shaka's quarters in about an hour. We've got to examine all of Shaka's personal files for information about what she was working on." Chu requested.

"I'll see you in a hour then Commander." Tyra acknowledged.

With that Chu left the officer's lounge and headed for his quarters.